Should Inter Miami punish Suarez, other Herons involved in Leagues Cup brawl?

Growing frustration

And that's it. Miami lost to Houston in the U.S. Open Cup title match later in 2023, and failed to reach a final in 2024. Despite setting the MLS record for points in a season (74), earning their second major trophy, the Supporter's Shield, the Herons crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Leagues Cup and, most embarrassingly, the MLS Cup playoffs, in the first round to eighth-seeded Atlanta United in what some observers have called the greatest upset in league history.

This season was supposed to be different; Messi & Co. had time to get acclimated, had additions expected to strengthen its backline and diversify the attack; the Herons expected to win multiple competitions in 2025. But they lost in the Champions Cup semifinals to Vancouver and suffered through a month-long slump that dropped them to the middle of the playoff pack. At the Club World Cup, Miami became the first CONCACAF team to beat a European side (Porto FC of Portugal) in a competitive match and advanced out of the group stage to the Round of 16 before being soundly whipped (4-0) by Paris Saint-Germain. The Herons regained some momentum and focused on its remaining competitions still with an opportunity to collect multiple trophies.

Seattle wasn't interested in that narrative. The Sounders, comprised by players developed in its own academy, MLS journeyman, talented league veterans and a more modest payroll and profile, embarrassed Inter Miami's star-studded lineup Sunday. Seattle coach and one-time player Brian Schmeltzer outcoached Mascherano and the Sounders "collective" -- Schmeltzer's term -- played with creativity, passion and trust. They deserved to win, and they deserved to be able to enjoy their victory.

"Inter Miami must take action to punish the Herons at fault."

It's unclear exactly how the fracas started, but apparently young Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas -- a physical defender and known to goad his opponents into losing their temper -- said or did something to offend Suarez at the final whistle. Suarez was seen on camera wrapping his arm around Vargas' neck while speaking animatedly to the much younger player, who was trying to get out of his grip. Nearby Sounders, objected, and in seconds players and some coaches and staff were pushing, shoving, grabbing, punching and wrestling. At one point, Suarez was seen to spit at, perhaps on, an older member of Seattle's staff. Sergio Busquets, normally among the most stoic of players, hit a Sounder in the face with his fist (it was barely strong enough to call a punch). Maxi Falcone grabbed Vargas, and Toto Aviles and Chelo Weigandt -- neither of whom played in the match -- joined the fray and threw several punches. Outside the stadium, Herons' supporter through garbage and punches at Sounders' fans.

It should be noted that Messi, Inter Miami's captain, didn't participate in the brawl; neither was he seen trying to stop it.

The entire episode was disgusting, embarrassing and shameful. It's understandable that the Herons feel the pressure of their pedigree, but that doesn't excuse such a disgraceful lack of discipline and respect.

Inter Miami must take action to punish the Herons at fault. The Leagues Cup is a kind of hybrid competition, not specifically sponsored by CONCACAF or the titular leagues -- MLS and Mexico's Liga MX. It's conceivable, although not certain, that the federation and the league will wash their hands of the unpleasant matter, or issue suspensions applicable only to the next Leagues Cup tournament. That's not good enough.

Do the right thing, Inter Miami. Fix this.