Luis Suarez Signs to Stay with Messi and Inter Miami for 2025 Season

Argentina's Lionel Messi walks off the field at the half time of a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Peru at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Argentina's Lionel Messi walks off the field at the half time of a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Peru at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
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Luis Suarez Signs to Stay with Messi and Inter Miami for 2025 Season

Argentina's Lionel Messi walks off the field at the half time of a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Peru at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Argentina's Lionel Messi walks off the field at the half time of a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Peru at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Luis Suarez is going to play alongside Lionel Messi for at least one more year, The Associated Press reported.
Suarez and Inter Miami have agreed on a one-year contract extension for the coming season, the team announced Wednesday.
The financial terms weren't disclosed. Suarez made $1.5 million this year in his first Inter Miami season, one in which the Uruguayan striker scored 20 goals — tied with Messi for the team lead — in Major League Soccer regular season play and a team-best 25 goals across all competitions.
“I’m very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to enjoy being here with this fanbase, which for us is like family," Suarez said in comments distributed by the team. “We feel very, very connected with them, and hopefully, next year, we can bring them even more joy.”
Inter Miami set MLS records for points (74) and winning percentage (.765) during this MLS regular season, one in which the club went 22-4-8 and captured the Supporters Shield. The club failed to get out of the first round of the playoffs, falling to Atlanta United in the best-of-three series.
The contract extension for Suarez, who turns 38 in January, keeps the Inter Miami core of stars with Barcelona ties together. Suarez plays at Inter Miami alongside Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, a group that teamed up with the powerhouse Spanish club in past years. And newly named Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano — his hiring was made official on Tuesday — also played with that foursome at Barcelona.
“In 2024, Luis brought to Inter Miami all of the elements that make him one of the greatest strikers of all time," Inter Miami football operations president Raul Sanllehi said. "He performed at an elite level for us, and we’re excited to see that continue next season. Luis was not only our leading scorer this season, but also a leader for the group. His impact cannot be understated.”
Suarez has represented Uruguay in the last four World Cup competitions. He's played for Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, among other clubs, and has earned a slew of honors — Dutch player of the year, FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball, Premier League Player of the Season and World Cup All-Star Team among them.



Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
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Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal praised on Wednesday the Saudi leadership's support for the sports sector, which has driven its growth and elevated its global recognition.

Speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum, the minister highlighted the sector's significant role in boosting tourism, noting that over the past four years, 80 international events have attracted 2.5 million tourists.

For instance, Formula 1 in Jeddah welcomed attendees from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic impact on the city.

The minister underscored the private sector's vital role in the sports industry, saying 14 clubs have been offered for privatization, attracting interest from 25 companies, with notable attention from international investors.

He also highlighted the success of the Nafis platform, which has licensed 2,000 academies and 500 clubs, enabling some to transition into operating as companies.

Moreover, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the global reach of Saudi sporting events, including the Saudi League, which is broadcast in over 160 countries. The international visibility has resulted in substantial investment and strengthened the global presence of Saudi sports.