INTER MIAMI
Inter Miami set to land an in-form Luis Suárez
The Uruguayan striker scored a hat-trick in Grêmio’s victory against Botafogo.
In the final stretch of the Brazilian season, Gremio are in the race to qualify for the next edition of the Copa Libertadores. The Brazilian side had to come from behind in a thrilling match against the leaders Botafogo, with Luis Suárez proving to be the team’s talisman. The Uruguayan scored a hat-trick to lead Renato Gaúcho’s side to an epic win and move into second place in the table. In his final games as a Gremio player, Suárez is looking to leave the club on a high.
As Diego Simeone would say, Gremio are entering the ‘Suárez zone’ - moments at the end of the season when the striker steps up to help the team achieve their goal. With five games left to play, the former Barcelona man can still make his mark in front of goal before his contract runs out next month.
As this newspaper has already reported, the striker’s aim is to leave the club on good terms and end his spell with a historic return to the Copa Libertadores, just two years after suffering relegation. The 35-year-old continues to prove himself to be, if not the best, then one of the best players in South America right now.
Inter Miami and Messi await
The signing of Suárez by Inter Miami is, as of today, an open secret. Inter Miami are making plans to have the veteran forward in their ranks for next season and Suárez’s campaign has been a source of excitement for the fans who want to see him back alongside his good friend Lionel Messi. The Argentinian and Uruguayan had one of the most fearsome partnerships in Europe during their time at FC Barcelona. While Messi knew how to fit in perfectly with Josef Martinez under Tata Martino, the Venezuelan does not possess the same goal threat that Suárez does this season.
Facing Fluminense
Inter Miami - with Suárez likely to be involved - will have the challenge of fighting for the MLS title and the US Open next season. The return of the Interamerican Cup will also be another objective for Martino, whose side will play against Fluminense - the new South American champions and a team that Suárez knows how to beat.