Page 71 - Soccer360 Issue 105

the betting odds. “Luis is an outstanding striker with a track record of excellence
at the very top levels of the sport. He has proven himself to be a singular talent in every league he’s played in over the course of his career thus far,” said Inter Miami’s Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson in a club statement. “We’re looking to build on the successes of last season in 2024 and think Luis will be an important addition for us as we prepare to compete in several top competitions.”
TORONTO’S
It wasn’t all about the money either for Suarez as unlike Messi or Busquets, the Uruguayan signed as a non-Designated Player. Designated Players can earn as much as a team is willing to pay them without their salary counting against the salary cap, but clubs are only allowed three. Suarez’s commitment to Inter Miami proves that he isn’t just looking for a big payday in the United States.
TROUBLED
The arrival of Suarez also means even more eyeballs on Inter Miami this season. Messi had already helped garner the attention of the planet, but Suarez will only help add to that. Before the Suarez signing was even announced, Inter Miami’s club value grew
an absurd 74% over the past year according to Sportico. The team is now worth an estimated $1.02bn - behind only Los Angeles FC and Atlanta United in all of MLS.
It remains to be seen whether Inter Miami’s star power will lead the franchise to their first ever MLS Cup triumph, but either way fans will be having fun tagging along for the ride throughout the 2024 campaign.
STARS
Marco D’Onofrio discusses whether Toronto FC’s Italian duo of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi will be able to get their act together for the 2024 MLS campaign.
Lorenzo Insigne’s plane touched down in Toronto on June 24, 2022, with fans and media alike eagerly awaiting his arrival. Outside of legendary Italian restaurant Café Diplomatico on Toronto’s College Street, TFC threw a street party welcoming the Euro 2020 winner. The Reds even included the Napoli Club of Toronto as part of their celebrations, leading fans in chants that the player was familiar with. He wasn’t the only Italian stud arriving either as fellow European Championship winner Federico Bernardeschi also signed with the club shortly after. It
SOCCER360 71
RIGHT:
Jozy Altidore celebrating a goal
BOTTOM RIGHT:
Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley holding MLS Cup