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Regardless of being reigning world champions, Lionel Messi’s presence with Argentina on the 2026 FIFA World Cup stays unsure—even by the legend’s personal admission. However Inter Miami teammate and shut good friend Luis Suarez has added new perception, sharing the will Messi nonetheless holds to play within the subsequent version of the event.
Suarez, who formally retired from worldwide obligation with Uruguay in September 2024, is now having fun with the ultimate chapter of his profession in Main League Soccer alongside Messi. In an interview with Ovacion for El Pais, he was requested about their future plans—and whereas he denied any concrete retirement talks, he make clear Messi’s long-term ambitions.
“No, we joke about it lots, however he nonetheless has the will to play in subsequent 12 months’s World Cup,” Suarez revealed. “Clearly, after being away from the nationwide crew, that feeling begins to fade extra on my aspect than his, however we haven’t actually talked about it. We’ve chatted that, down the road, once we’re older, we may make that call, however nothing concrete,” he acknowledged.
When requested whether or not Messi had confirmed his intention to play in 2026, Suárez was clear: “No, no, I don’t even ask him both. Some folks don’t get it. Look, right here’s an anecdote in regards to the penalty the opposite day (in opposition to Los Angeles, within the 3–1 win within the Concachampions): lots of people had been celebrating, getting near him—teammates, even—and I didn’t even take a look at him, didn’t make a gesture or something as a result of I already know him.
“Typically, being a part of that second makes me much more nervous, provides me extra uncertainty. I already understand how he’s, and I don’t ask him about any of that. Time will inform,” he concluded. Past his phrases in regards to the World Cup, Suarez additionally provided a glimpse into the bond he shares with Messi—one rooted in deep understanding and mutual respect.
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Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas reveals Lionel Messi’s post-retirement plans with the membership
Suarez’s future at Inter Miami
At 38 years outdated, and together with his contract with Inter Miami set to run out on the finish of 2025, Suarez continues to face questions on retirement. However the Uruguayan striker isn’t able to set a timeline for hanging up his boots.
“It’s laborious to speak about deadlines for an ending. I do know that footballers want to arrange for the top as a result of we’re not ready. It occurred to me with the nationwide crew—it’s a must to be well-prepared to face that closing step,” Suarez admitted.
“Time will inform how a lot I’ve left, however I nonetheless have that flame of eager to play, eager to compete, and so long as that flame is lit, I’ll wish to hold competing for so long as I can. I don’t have a set deadline whether or not it’s this 12 months or subsequent. However so long as I’m motivated, performing, and displaying it, I’ll hold having fun with it,” he ended his response.
With 587 profession objectives, Suárez is simply 13 away from reaching the 600-goal milestone and 34 objectives away from breaking into the highest 10 all-time main scorers in soccer historical past. The veteran striker acknowledged how significant that achievement can be—and for now, the considered retirement stays on maintain.
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