Striker Luis Suarez burst into tears when receiving a message from close friend Lionel Messi during his final appearance for Uruguay in a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“Hello, Fat Guy,” Messi said in a video broadcast on the big screens at the Centenario stadium after the draw with Paraguay on September 6. “I wanted to be there and record this video on a day that means a lot to you, your family, Uruguayan fans and football fans in general, because of what you have given to the team.”
The Argentine star knows how difficult it is for Suarez to retire from the Uruguayan national team, and hopes his friend will receive the recognition he deserves for his dedication throughout his international career. “You always gave your all, until the last day,” Messi continued. “You leave a great legacy for everyone and for future generations. This is the end of a very important chapter in your career but hopefully there will be many more years in football.”
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Messi calls Suarez ‘Fat Guy’.
Suarez is a close friend and currently plays alongside Messi at Inter Miami in MLS. The two players have won four La Ligas, four Copa del Reys and one Champions League together at Barca. Messi holds the record for scoring 672 goals for Barca, while Suarez is third with 198.
“I’m very happy to be together again at Inter Miami and enjoy every day,” Messi continued. “I hope you enjoy tonight with your loved ones and the people you always have by your side and want to be close to. Big hug, I love you so much, goodbye.”
Suarez burst into tears on the pitch when watching the video with his family. In the stands of the Centenario stadium, fans hung banners with the message: “Luis 9 Eternal”, praising the eternal number 9.
Minutes earlier, Suarez had played his final match for Uruguay in a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers. During this training camp, Uruguay will also play away to Venezuela on September 10. But the 37-year-old striker wants to retire from international football at home.
Luis Suarez cries as he stands next to his wife Sofia Balbi (left) and children Delfina (right), Lautaro (center), and Benjamin next to a replica of the Copa America trophy during a tribute ceremony for him after his final match for Uruguay at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on September 6. Photo: AFP
Suarez made his debut for the national team in a 3-1 win over Colombia on February 8, 2007. In total, he scored 69 goals in 143 matches, making him Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, far ahead of Edinson Cavani, who finished second with 58 goals. Suarez played in four World Cups and won the 2011 Copa America with Uruguay.
After Suarez confirmed his retirement from international football, Messi and Neymar both posted messages on social media. “You are the only champion, on and off the pitch,” the Argentine star posted on his Instagram Story , along with a photo of him hugging Suarez.
Meanwhile, Neymar wrote in Spanish: “Forever. You have engraved your name in the history of our country’s football. You are amazing.”
