"The real icon", "We don't need Messi anymore" - Inter Miami fans praise star player after win over Chicago Fire
Inter Miami fans have hailed Luis Suarez on social media after he inspired the Herons to a 4-1 win against Chicago Fire in Lionel Messi's absence. The Barcelona legend netted a brace in their MLS fixture at the Soldier Field on Saturday, August 31.
The Herons grabbed the lead in the 25th minute after Tobias Salquist scored an unfortunate own goal from Suarez's effort. The Uruguayan doubled their advantage in the 46th minute with a good close-range finish, before making it 3-0 19 minutes later. Georgios Koutsias tapped home to give the hosts some hope (82') but Robert Taylor scored in the third minute of stoppage time to seal a 4-1 win.
Luis Suarez was given the highest match rating (9.2), via FotMob. The 37-year-old scored two goals, landed five shots on target from eight attempts, and won two duels.
Fans were pleased with his performance, with one posting:
"Omg we don't need Messi anymore he can leave us now."
Another tweeted:
"You’re the real icon @LuisSuarez9 congratulations."
Other reactions can be seen below:
"No Messi No Problem," one fan commented.
"He's insane," another added.
"No youtube channel, no ego pure football and goals while living his dream in Miami. Luis Suarez is best striker to ever win golden boot in era of Messi n Penaldo," one fan tweeted.
"BEST STRIKER OF THIS GENERATION. BAR NONE!" one fan posted.
"Ofc it's gonna look easy He's the greatest striker of all time," another added.
Inter Miami remain at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 59 points from 27 games, eight points above second-placed Cincinnati.
Luis Suarez has flourished for Inter Miami in Lionel Messi's absence
Lionel Messi hasn't featured for Inter Miami since June 1 due to his commitments with the Argentina national team. He suffered an ankle ligament injury last month and has missed their last eight games. Fortunately, Luis Suarez has stepped up for the Herons and made a real case for being the MVP this season.
Suarez has scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season. This includes six goals in his last seven games since returning from the 2024 Copa America, with four coming in his last two fixtures. Moreover, Inter Miami have won all four of their MLS games during this period, showcasing the importance of his goal contributions.
Messi recently returned to training and will be hoping to make it back into Inter Miami's starting XI in the coming weeks. The 37-year-old has struggled with injuries this season, missing 15 games across all competitions. Despite this, he has still been exceptional, garnering 14 goals and 11 assists in 15 appearances.