Picture Credit: X
On Friday, September 6, Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan footballer, played his final match for the national team at the Estadio Centenario in the Parque Batlle of Montevideo, which ended in a 0-0 draw against the neighbours Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. After the final whistle, Luis Suarez, alongside his entire family, gathered on the pitch to watch his close friend and colleague Lionel Messi’s emotional message on his international retirement, following which he broke down in tears in front of everyone.
Notably, the fans of Luis Suarez and the Uruguayan national football team had stuck around inside the Estadio Centenario to give their favourite son a send-off in style, and they were also gasping while Lionel Messi spoke on the giant screen. Suarez and Messi go a long way on the club football scene, famously playing for Barcelona during their respective heydays before both of them reunited at Inter Miami a few months ago.
I know how much playing for the Uruguay national team means to you: Messi to Suarez
In his special tribute, Lionel Messi spoke about how Luis Suarez made the national team and his country proud with his achievements on the field. He was quoted as saying to him, as per the Sun, “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. 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."
Messi addressed Suarez about how he deserves everything the beautiful game of football has given to him before reminding about his legacy which will inspire football players for generations. 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. You’re leaving a great legacy for the people today and for the new generations to come.”
Luis Suarez lifted Copa America trophy in 2011 with Uruguay
“This is the end of a very important chapter in your career, but hopefully there are many more years ahead in football and I’m happy that those years will be here, that we get to be together again on the same team and enjoy each day. 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,” Lionel Messi concluded.
During his international career, Luis Suarez, 37, played 142 matches for Uruguay, scoring 69 goals after making his debut nearly 17 years ago. The crowning achievement for Luis Suarez in his international career came in 2011 when he played a key role in Uruguay lifting the Copa America trophy.
