Suarez joins Inter Miami, reunites with former Barca team-mate Messi

The long-awaited reunion of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi is now a reality, after the Uruguayan striker signed with Inter Miami on Friday for the 2024 season.

Suarez and Messi spent six seasons together at Barcelona, winning four Spanish league titles and nine other trophies — including a Champions League title — in that span.

Suarez is coming off a season where he was best player and best striker in the Brazilian league with Gremio.

"I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami," Suarez said. "I can’t wait to get started, and I’m ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great club a reality. I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition.”

There had been speculation for months that Suarez would join Inter Miami, especially given his relationship with Messi. Inter Miami won their first trophy — the Leagues Cup — last season shortly after Messi arrived, his signing part of an overhaul that brought elite talent like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to the club, along with coach Gerardo "Tata” Martino.

Busquets and Alba also played for Barcelona alongside Messi, and Martino is a former Barcelona coach. Now, Suarez joins that mix.

"I will give my all to bring joy to these great fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear Inter Miami colors, and look forward to reuniting with great friends and players," Suarez said.

"I’m also eager to meet my new teammates and coaches.” Suarez first made a splash in Europe with Ajax Amsterdam before making the switch to Premier League side Liverpool where he scored 82 goals. But it was at Barcelona where he was most successful when he scored 195 goals and made 113 assists.

"Luis is an outstanding striker with a track record of excellence at the very top levels of the sport," Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. "He has proven himself to be a singular talent in every league he's played in over the course of his career thus far."

Agencies