Tata Martino has suggested that another Inter Miami superstar could be leaving this summer alongside Lionel Messi.
The 36-year-old attacker is expected to star for Argentina at the Copa America this summer in the United States, with Messi already named in the provisional squad for the competition.
With the Inter Miami captain enjoying a number of record-breaking performances in MLS this season, the Herons are expected to struggle without Messi this summer, who could be gone for as many as six games.
And another Inter Miami superstar could also depart for the same competition.
Luis Suarez tipped to leave Inter Miami to compete in the Copa America
Speaking to the press after last night’s 2-1 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Martino suggested that Luis Suarez has a ‘great chance’ of making Uruguay’s final squad for the Copa America this summer.
Whilst not a regular under Marcelo Bielsa, Suarez’s form this season with Inter Miami has been impressive, with the 37-year-old striker scoring 13 goals in all competitions and providing seven assists.
And as a result, Suarez joining Messi in leaving Inter Miami to compete in the Copa America would be a massive blow for the Herons, who will be without arguably their two best players this season for the summer.
Indeed, whilst Inter Miami showed last night that they can win without the duo, there’s always a chance that the Florida franchises’ form could take a turn for the worse without Messi and Suarez in the coming weeks.
Herons need to show they can survive without Suarez next month
Losing Messi is one thing for Inter Miami, but Suarez also departing at the same time could be a disaster for the Herons if they don’t adapt to the situation quickly enough during the Copa America.
Whilst the likes of Robert Taylor and Leonardo Campana have the quality to replace the likes of Suarez, the question of whether the duo have the consistency to maintain that level of goalscoring is an important one that has to be answered.
With the Herons top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, momentum could be enough to drive Inter Miami forward with Messi and Suarez at the Copa America, and the squad will need to believe they can win without the duo.