Major League Soccer has slapped the Inter Miami star, Luis Suarez with an additional three-match suspension after his involvement in the wild post-game brawl during the Leagues Cup final at Lumen Field.
The clash erupted after Seattle Sounders stormed to a 3–0 win over Inter Miami on August 31. Tempers boiled over at the final whistle, sparking a heated altercation between players and staff from both sides.
Suarez was initially banned for six matches by the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee for allegedly spitting on a Sounders staff member, but MLS has now ruled he will also miss Miami’s next three league fixtures. That sidelines him for games against Charlotte FC, Seattle Sounders, and D.C. United, with a return date set for September 24 vs. NYCFC.
Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano will be forced to adjust without his veteran striker, while other Miami players involved in the melee escaped further MLS punishment. Defender Tomas Avilés and midfielder Sergio Busquets received Leagues Cup suspensions (three and two matches respectively), but they will serve those bans in next year’s competition, leaving them free for MLS duty.
On the Seattle side, staff member Steven Lenhart had his MLS credentials revoked for the rest of the 2025 regular season and postseason due to violent conduct during the scuffle.
Inter Miami issued a strong statement condemning the scenes:
“Inter Miami condemns the altercations that took place following the conclusion of the Leagues Cup Final. These actions do not reflect the values of our sport, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.”
Suarez himself took to social media to apologize, admitting his actions were a “mistake” that “shouldn’t have happened.”
With his team reeling from the heavy defeat and now without their marquee striker, Miami faces a tough stretch as they look to regain momentum in MLS play.
