Inter Miami will begin its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign by hosting Liga MX side Atlético de San Luis at Chase Stadium.
The Herons are coming off a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew and are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions.
While Lionel Messi was away following the post-World Cup break, Inter Miami leaned on Luis Suárez's impressive goal-scoring form. The Uruguayan striker scored four goals in three matches after the MLS season resumed.
New signing Casemiro has also settled in quickly, starting both matches since joining the club. The Brazilian moved to MLS after his Manchester United contract expired and recently spoke about the opportunity to play alongside Messi, calling him the 'god of football.'
After making a substitute appearance against Columbus, Messi has been named in Guillermo Hoyos' starting lineup for tonight's match. However, Hoyos will be without the in-form Suárez and will instead rely on Messi, Yannick Bright, and Daniel Pinter in attack.
Why Is Luis Suárez Not Playing Against Atlético de San Luis?
Suárez is unavailable for tonight's Leagues Cup opener because he is serving a six-match tournament suspension.
Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
The suspension stems from a controversial incident following Inter Miami's 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders in last season's Leagues Cup final.
After the match, the 39-year-old was found to have spat at a member of Seattle's staff during an on-field altercation.
As a result of the six-match ban, Suárez will miss Inter Miami's entire Leagues Cup campaign this year.
Inter Miami Starting Lineup
Ríos-Novo starts between the posts today for Inter Miami.
The back four consists of Ian Fray at right-back, Maximiliano Caicedo and M. Silva as the central defenders, and Noah Allen at left-back.
In midfield, Hoyos has fielded Casemiro alongside Rodrigo De Paul, with Matías Segovia operating in the attacking role.Up front, Lionel Messi plays on the right wing, Pinter on the left wing, and Bright plays the role of the central striker.
