The veteran Uruguayan frontman has been reunited with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at Chase Stadium. He is now 37 years of age and is having to manage long-standing knee problems that will impact how many games he is able to play in 2024.

He has figured prominently for Inter Miami so far, but had seen questions asked of his contribution after struggling for goals. After bagging a brace in a 5-0 MLS demolition of Florida neighbours Orlando City, Suarez said: “From an individual standpoint, I am happy to be able to help the team. A striker and professional soccer player has to be accustomed to living with daily criticism. People in soccer do not have memory so in that sense I am very used to it. I have been playing professional soccer for almost 20 years, so I do not worry about things that people might be saying.”

Suarez has the full backing of those around him in Miami, with Herons boss Tata Martino saying: “I said last week that to analyse a player when the team did not play a good game is unjust. The reality is the team played very well and Luis shined in all his splendour, not only as a goal-scorer but also with his assists.”