2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
What did Inter Miami target Luis Suárez say about no longer being a regular starter for Uruguay?
Now a back-up for Darwin Núñez, the former Barcelona striker could link up with close friend Lionel Messi in MLS.
Almost a year after last being called up by Uruguay, Inter Miami target Luis Suárez was recalled for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers in November, which saw La Celeste post victories over Argentina and Bolivia. Currently playing with Brazilian side Grêmio, the striker hadn’t played for his country since a group stage game at the 2022 World Cup on 2 December last year. Once an undisputed starter, the 36-year-old is well aware his role has now changed. Not that he is in the least bit unhappy.
Darwin Núñez “one of the best strikers in the world”
“I have a role that makes me very happy. I will try to help in any way I can. I am competing with of the best number nines in the world in Darwin Núñez, I have to make the most of being here and enjoy it. What I have to do is contribute as much as I can,” the former Liverpool and Barcelona attacker told Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
Suárez revealed that he hadn’t been expecting a national team recall: “Given the circumstances of the last few months, I didn’t imagine it would happen. But I earned a place on the roster by working hard and doing well with my club. I’ll try to help, this is a great group. I’m really enjoying it right now and I feel the affection of the people towards me.”
Súarez back in form after 2022 World Cup disappointment
Suárez’s international career looked to be over following Uruguay’s group-stage exit from the World Cup 2022, in which he failed to score and looked off the pace. However, a move to Grêmio has rejuvenated the veteran forward, who has scored 26 goals and provided 16 assists in 50 matches in 2023. In his most recent outing for the Porto Alegre side, he scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 win away to league leaders Botafogo.
Messi link up imminent at Inter Miami?
Despite his excellent spell in Brazil, it looks inevitable the striker will run down his contract with Grêmio and move to MLS with Inter Miami, where he would rejoin former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Nothing has as yet been officially confirmed by the Florida club.