Luis Suarez was spotted courtside at the Kaseya Center during Thursday’s Heat-76ers game, just a day after his team, Inter Miami, suffered a 2-1 defeat to FC Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals. The 37-year-old Uruguayan striker attended the game with his wife, Sofia, and their three children, showing his support for local sports.
During the game, Suarez showcased his playful side by attempting to play ‘keepie uppie’ with the Heat mascot, Burnie, although he didn’t have much luck. The Heat’s social media team humorously pointed out, “Burnie got to work on his juggling skills @LuisSuarez9.”
In his short time with Inter Miami, Suarez has made an impact, scoring five goals and providing three assists in just seven MLS matches and contributing two goals and two assists in three Concacaf Champions Cup games. However, he was unable to score against Monterrey and received a yellow card alongside teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The absence of star player Lionel Messi was felt, as they lost the first leg of their mid-week match.
As for the Heat, they were unable to secure a win in front of Suarez and his family, falling to the 76ers 109-105. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with an impressive 37 points, along with 11 assists and nine rebounds, sealing the victory with two free throws just before the final buzzer. Joel Embiid added 29 points in his second game back from knee surgery, while Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 18 points.
The loss leaves the Heat with a record of 42-34, half a game ahead of the seventh-place Heat and one game behind the sixth-place Indiana Pacers in the race for the final automatic playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.