Luis Suárez weighs exit from Inter Miami: Will he retire or join a new team?

His exit is seen as crucial for Inter Miami's financial planning, as Suárez holds one of the club’s highest salaries under the Designated Player rule. The decision not to renew has been under discussion since January, following the team's qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Luis Suárez is nearing the end of his chapter with Inter Miami, as the club bows out of the FIFA Club World Cup with several uncertainties still looming. While Lionel Messi’s future with the team appears nearly locked in, Suárez’s next move remains unclear. According to AS, unless there’s a last-minute twist, the Uruguayan striker will not return to Inter Miami next season. Retirement seems to be on the horizon.

Suárez’s contract with Inter Miami runs through December, and all signs point toward a non-renewal. The decision has reportedly been in the works since early January, when the club confirmed its participation in the Club World Cup. His departure is expected to play a key role in helping the franchise balance its salary structure, as Suárez is currently one of the highest-paid players on the roster under the Designated Player rule.

Before walking away from the MLS, Suárez wants to leave on a high note. He’s a beloved figure in the Chase Stadium locker room, and while Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield title was a bright spot, it pales in comparison to the ambition of winning the MLS Cup. Securing that championship would cap off a legendary career that includes trophies in LaLiga, the Premier League, the Eredivisie, the Copa América, and the UEFA Champions League.

Suárez has become a club legend in Miami. Since arriving in early 2024, he has already scored 34 goals, making him the second-highest scorer in club history—behind only Messi’s 50. Despite persistent knee issues that have hampered his physical condition, Suárez has consistently stepped up when his longtime friend and teammate wasn’t available, proving to be a key leader on and off the pitch.

In a candid 2023 interview, Suárez reflected on the toll of the game and hinted at his looming retirement: “My body speaks for me. The pain I feel every day is intense. I’ve earned the right to decide when it’s time to stop and enjoy wherever I end up and the time with my kids, who’ve had very few vacations lately and stayed by my side supporting me. I need to rest, be with my family, and let fate decide where I go next. If I join a club, it’s to win. Otherwise, I’d rather retire. I’m stubborn. I still want to enjoy the game.”