Inter Miami secured a convincing 3-1 victory over D.C. United in Major League Soccer action on Saturday, with Luis Suarez making a significant impact after coming off the bench.
Despite missing the injured Lionel Messi, Inter Miami found their rhythm, with Suarez showcasing his scoring prowess once again.
The Uruguayan striker netted twice, further solidifying his impressive start in MLS with six goals in seven games across all competitions for the South Florida club.
Miami, who had struggled in previous matches without Messi, breaking a winless streak dating back to September, opted to leave Suarez and Jordi Alba on the bench at the start of the game, as coach Gerardo Martino made tactical decisions.
D.C. United took the lead early in the match, courtesy of Jared Stroud’s goal, but Miami quickly responded. Leonardo Campana equalized for Miami, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from D.C. United to find the back of the net.
Suarez’s entry into the game in the 62nd minute proved decisive for Miami. Within just 10 minutes of stepping onto the field, Suarez made his mark, scoring two well-taken goals to secure victory for his team.
Martino praised Suarez’s performance, highlighting the impact of his strategic substitution. He emphasized the importance of managing players’ playing time to prevent injuries and maximize their contributions to the team.
Regarding Messi’s injury, Martino provided updates, stating that it was being managed on a week-to-week basis.
He remained cautious about Messi’s potential involvement in upcoming fixtures, prioritizing his recovery and avoiding any unnecessary risks.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is set to face Mexican club Monterrey in the regional competition on April 3, with hopes of continuing their successful campaign in MLS.