Lionel Messi recently sent a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suarez, as the Uruguayan legend brought his international career to a close.
Suarez, Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, was honoured with the captain’s armband by manager Marcelo Bielsa for his farewell appearance.
Suarez, who had been a key player for Uruguay since 2007, came close to making his final match unforgettable.
In the 18th minute, he unleashed a spectacular volley that seemed destined for the net, only for it to hit the post.
It was the closest either team came to scoring in a largely uneventful 0-0 draw at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was an emotional occasion. Suarez, who played the full 90 minutes, received a standing ovation from the crowd after the final whistle.
Fans inside the stadium celebrated his remarkable career, with highlights of his 69 goals for the national team shown on the giant screens.
This marked the end of an era for a player who has been pivotal in Uruguay’s success, including their Copa America victory in 2011.
Following the game, a special message from Messi was displayed on the stadium’s big screen. In the video, Messi affectionately referred to Suarez as “fatty” and shared his admiration for his friend’s accomplishments.
“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 have given to the national team and your country,” Messi said in his message. “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. I just hope you enjoy this tribute they are giving you, which you more than deserve, for everything I have mentioned before.
“For everything you gave to that team. You always gave your all, and until the very last day. You are leaving a great legacy for the people today and for the new generations to come. This is the end of a very important chapter in your career but hopefully there are many more years ahead in football. I am happy that those years will be here (Inter Miami) 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 had by your side and wanted close. Big hug, I love you very much, goodbye.”
For Suarez, the match may not have gone as planned, but the love and support from the fans, his teammates, and Messi made the night unforgettable.
The 37-year-old departs international football with 143 appearances and 69 goals to his name, a monumental contribution that cements his place as one of Uruguay’s greatest-ever players.
As Suarez bids farewell to international football, his attention now shifts back to Inter Miami. He and Messi, both key figures for the team, will aim to help the Florida-based club push for Major League Soccer glory, with the Herons currently leading the Eastern Conference.
While his international chapter has closed, Suarez’s footballing journey continues, and his partnership with Messi at Inter Miami promises more thrilling moments in the future.
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