Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images

Donovan Backs Mascherano’s Decision to Bench Luis Suárez at Inter Miami

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 10:19 AM ET

Inter Miami will be playing their first-ever Eastern Conference Final against New York City FC tonight at Chase Stadium. Ahead of the big match, Inter Miami has improved its attack despite the absence of Luis Suarez.

Luis Suarez has been the starting striker for Inter Miami over the last two seasons in the MLS. Suarez started for Inter Miami ahead of the MLS playoffs, but then he received a suspension for Game 3 against Nashville SC.

For Game 3 against Nashville, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano replaced Suarez with 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti. It seemed like a risk on paper, but it worked out perfectly.

Inter Miami defeated Nashville 4-0 with Lionel Messi and Mateo Silvetti in the attack. Messi scored two goals and provided an assist, and Silvetti provided an assist. Fans praised Silvetti's work rate on the pitch.

Suarez was back from suspension for Inter Miami's Eastern Conference semifinal match against FC Cincinnati, but Mascherano benched Suarez to play Silvetti from the start again.

It worked again, and Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati 4-0 away from home. Messi scored a goal and provided three assists, while Silvetti grabbed a goal and one assist.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring the team's first goal with teammate Mateo Silvetti #24 during the Conference Semifinal match between FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami FC as part of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs at TQL Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

Ahead of the semifinal against NYCFC, Landon Donovan backs Mascherano's decision to bench Luis Suarez and thinks the Inter Miami head coach will bench him again tonight.

Landon Donovan on Inter Miami's Luis Suarez

On the Unfiltered Soccer Podcast, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard made a preview for the Inter Miami vs NYCFC match in the MLS Eastern Conference Final.

Donovan was surprised by Mascherano's decision to keep Suarez on the bench in order to play Silvetti from the start last week.

Donovan backs Mascherano's decision to bench the Uruguayan striker, but thinks that Suarez took it well as he came on the pitch in the 76th minute.

The former USMNT forward said, "[Mascherano] made a really, really difficult decision...Do I stick with the World Cup veteran, or do I stick with this 19-year-old who played really well? He didn't [play Luis Suarez]... I watched Suarez came on the field, and he was into it. So like credit to him for doing that, credit to Mascherano for doing that [benching him]."