Lionel Messi delivered a touching tribute to Luis Suarez as the ex-Liverpool striker retired from international football.
When Did Luis Suarez Play His Last Game For Uruguay?
Suarez played his last game for Uruguay on September 7, 2024, over 17 years after he made his debut for the country.
Fans Celebrate Luis Suarez On His Final Game For Uruguay
Luis Suarez received a fitting send-off from fans in Montevideo following a goalless draw involving Uruguay and Paraguay in a qualification encounter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Supporters hoisted banners in the crowd displaying a heartwarming message: “Luis 9 Eternal.”
When Did Luis Suarez Announce His Decision To Retire From International Football?
Suarez announced his decision to retire from international football in a presser on September 2, 2024.
The 37-year-old was seen emotional during the presser, as he indicated that it wasn’t an easy decision for him to make.
Luis Suarez And Uruguay
Luis Suarez is bowing out of the Uruguay national team, after scoring 69 goals and providing 39 assists in 143 matches.
The 37-year-old is the second-most capped player in the country’s history, and he has been an integral member of the Uruguay national team for nearly 2 decades.
Suarez represented the South American country in nine major tournaments, featuring at the Copa America and FIFA World Cup 4 times.
Luis Suarez also donned the colors of Uruguay at the 2012 Summer Olympics held in England.
Following the match between Uruguay and Paraguay, Suarez and his family gathered on the pitch to watch a message from his friend Lionel Messi.
The Tribute Of Lionel Messi To Luis Suarez
The Argentine’s video message appeared on the big screen at the Estadio Centenario, with the Barcelona great, saying: “Hello Fatty.
“I wanted to be present and record this video on such a meaningful day for you, for your family, for the people of Uruguay, and for football fans in general because of who you are and everything you’ve given to the national team and your country.
Lionel Messi expressed heartily that he was lucky to play alongside and understands how difficult it was for him to retire from international football.
Messi said: “I was lucky to be by your side, and I know how hard it was to make this decision because I know how much playing for the Uruguay national team means to you.
The 37-year-old additionally wished Luis Suarez positive fortunes and noted how the footballer always gave his all to the Uruguay national team.
He said: “I just hope you enjoy this tribute they’re giving you, which you more than deserve, for everything I mentioned before, for everything you gave to that team, you always gave your all, and until the very last day.”
In concluding his lengthy tribute, Lionel Messi melted the hearts of football enthusiasts as he expressed his undying love for Suarez.
Messi said: “I hope you enjoy this night with your loved ones and all the people you’ve always had by your side and wanted close. Big hug, I love you very much, goodbye.”
Luis Suarez was seen in tears as he watched the video of the heartfelt tribute alongside his lovely family.
Luis Suarez And Lionel Messi
Suarez and Messi made 258 appearances together at Barcelona, winning 13 trophies, including the treble – UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey in 2015.
They are currently teammates in the MLS with Inter Miami, who Suarez joined in January 2024 on a one-year deal.
Lionel Messi is yet to call time on his career with Argentina, and his future with La Albiceleste is unknown.
However, there are indications that he could retire from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
