Luis Suarez makes his official Inter Miami debut and shows that class is permanent

Based on his first game in his new home, Luis Suarez is going to adapt just fine to Major League Soccer.

Suarez played 90 minutes in his official debut for Inter Miami on Wednesday night, and he assisted the Herons‘ second goal in their season-opening 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake at Chase Stadium. Suarez appeared happy to be reunited with former FC Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi — with whom the Uruguayan picked up right where he left off in 2020, when the two last were teammates.

A perfect set-up

Prior to kickoff, Suarez — who officially joined Inter Miami in December — was presented to the fans in Fort Lauderdale in a ceremony that included his three children and club owner David Beckham, not to mention a healthy dose of fireworks.

A crowd of 21,137 looked on as Messi set up the opening goal six minutes before halftime, slicing the Real Salt Lake defense with a through ball for winger Robert Taylor — whose shot rolled off the body of goalkeeper Zac MacMath and over the line. Suarez’s moment would have to wait until after halftime, but the 37-year-old — even without the athletic ability of yesteryear — sure took advantage of the opportunity presented to him.

In the 83rd minute, midfielder Diego Gomez won the ball in midfield and quickly laid it off to Messi. Good choice — the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner produced a mazy run to the arc of the penalty area and passed it short to his left for Suarez. The striker took a clean touch in a small pocket of space and passed first-time to Gomez, whose sliding right-footed finish extended Inter Miami’s lead.

Suarez thrilled with victory

It was all smiles for Suarez before the game — and after it as well. Following the victory, the former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid striker took to X (formerly Twitter) to write that he was happy to begin the new MLS season with a win in front of the home support — which included actor Will Smith.

Suarez will have a few days to recover from playing almost the entire game Wednesday, as Inter Miami pay a visit to LA Galaxy on Sunday night. Viewers will undoubtedly be tuning in to see what kind of magic Suarez, Messi, and their pals can conjure at Dignity Health Sports Park as the Inter Miami show goes on the road for the first time in 2024.