Luis Suárez delivered a standout performance, scoring one goal and assisting on three others to propel Inter Miami to a commanding 4-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Sunday night.
Despite missing superstar Lionel Messi, who remained in South Florida for additional rest, Inter Miami (1-0-1, 4 points) secured its first MLS win of the season. Head coach Javier Mascherano explained the decision, emphasizing Messi’s deep understanding of his own body and the demanding schedule.
“After three games in six days, we felt it was best to rest him, especially with a long trip across the country,” Mascherano said.
With this win, Inter Miami claimed its third victory across all competitions and now shifts focus to the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16. Meanwhile, Houston (0-2-0, 0 points) remains winless after back-to-back home losses.
Telasco Segovia starred with two goals and an assist, while Tadeo Allende netted his first MLS regular-season goal.
Suárez played a pivotal role in Miami’s offensive onslaught, setting up the team’s first three goals with pinpoint passes before scoring his own in the 79th minute, slicing through Houston’s defense with a brilliant solo effort.
“He’s been one of the top five center-forwards in the world over the last decade,” Mascherano said of Suárez. “He’s had an incredible impact at every club he’s played for—Barcelona, Liverpool, Atlético Madrid. Coaching a player of his caliber is a privilege.”
Segovia opened the scoring in the sixth minute, capitalizing on a defensive miscue when Obafemi Awodesu’s pass was deflected by Benjamin Cremaschi. Suárez pounced on the loose ball and quickly crossed to Segovia, who fired past goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell.
Allende doubled Miami’s lead with a stunning strike, sprinting onto a perfectly weighted pass from Suárez before curling a left-footed shot into the net.
Suárez then set up Segovia’s second goal after Yannick Bright, returning from a thigh injury, forced a turnover near midfield. Bright’s interception launched a quick attack, culminating in Suárez’s cross to Segovia for Miami’s third goal.
Houston pulled one back in the 85th minute when Nicolas Lodeiro’s shot deflected off Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, and into the net. Earlier, Ezequiel Ponce had a goal disallowed for offside in the 61st minute.
Tensions flared after the final whistle when Inter Miami defender Ian Fray got into a heated exchange with Houston players, resulting in a red card.
