Is Inter Miami Really Over Its "Messidependency" After Suárez’s Showstopper?

When Luis Suárez decided to leave Europe and take a shot at Major League Soccer (MLS), a lot of folks wondered if the Uruguayan star still had what it takes to make a real impact like he did in those top leagues. Well, after Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over Chicago Fire, I don’t think anyone’s doubting him anymore. The 37-year-old veteran proved that even without Lionel Messi on the field, he can still put on a show and be the game-changer.

Picture this: Soldier Field, a loud crowd of over 55,000 fans, and an Inter Miami on the rise but missing its biggest star. Messi’s still on the mend from an injury, leaving a gap that, let’s be honest, any team in the world would feel. But Suárez? He’s not just filling in; he’s throwing his hat in the ring for the Golden Boot and making it clear to everyone that he didn’t come to the U.S. to play second fiddle to anyone. He’s still a leading man, a ruthless predator in the box. And let me tell you, if I were Cristian Arango or Christian Benteke, I’d start getting a little nervous with this Uruguayan storming into the race for MLS’s top scorer.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

But can this Inter Miami really keep moving forward without Messi? Sure, Suárez was sensational. He bagged two goals, which by themselves were enough to secure the win. But let’s not kid ourselves—Messi is Messi. The impact he’s had since joining the club has been off the charts. Every time he touches the ball, there’s magic, something that, honestly, Suárez just can’t replicate.

Because, look, beating Chicago Fire, a team that, let’s be real, isn’t exactly top-tier in MLS, is one thing. Keeping up that level of performance when the playoffs hit, when the pressure’s on, and the opponents are way tougher, is a whole different ballgame. Does Suárez, at 37, have enough gas in the tank to lead this team all the way to a title without Messi by his side?

And what happens when Suárez has an off day? Because, let’s face it, he’s not going to be able to play at a top level in every single match. Age catches up, muscles get tired, and then who steps up? Robert Taylor? Federico Redondo? With all due respect, those guys don’t exactly inspire the same kind of confidence. And that’s why, deep down, Inter Miami still needs Messi. Not just for his individual brilliance, but for the fear he strikes into opponents, the way he elevates everyone else’s game.

Tata Martino is playing a risky game here. He knows Messi will be back, knows he can rely on him. Against Chicago Fire, everything clicked, but what about when they face teams like Galaxy, LAFC, or Crew? Can Inter Miami survive on Suárez’s strength alone?

While Suárez and the attack are flying high, the backline still raises questions. Sure, they were solid against Chicago, but let’s remember, this is a team that allowed 15 shots on goal and needed Drake Callender to come up with big saves to keep the lead. And that’s against a pretty average attack.

Suárez can carry this team on his back for now, but for how long? And what if Messi doesn’t come back at his best, or worse, if the injury lingers?