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Luis Suarez Sends Clear Message on Lionel Messi’s Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 11:01 AM ET

Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi usually does his talking on the pitch, leaving teammate Luis Suarez to face questions about how much longer the 37-year-old will play.

As his career winds down, Messi's performances are still making statements. Messi has three goals and two assists in five MLS appearances this season, taking him into first place in total goal contributions in Inter Miami club history.

The Herons are undefeated (four wins, three draws) after seven league matches. Messi has also led his team into the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup after spurring a dramatic quarterfinal comeback against Los Angeles FC on Wednesday.

Interest from American soccer fans in watching Messi is still at an all-time high. Inter Miami's match at Soldier Field on Sunday set the Chicago Fire single-game attendance record, with 62,358 fans piling into the shared NFL facility to watch the Argentinian superstar feature in the 0-0 draw.

Suarez was recently asked about Messi's eventual retirement and could not hide his shock over the question.

“Retirement?" Suarez responded to a reporter from Uruguayan outlet Ovación. "Leo Messi has that desire to play at the World Cup 2026 with Argentina. We’re not discussing retirement as a plan to activate anytime soon."

Luis Suárez: “Retirement? Leo Messi has that desire to play at the World Cup 2026 with Argentina…”.

“We’re not discussing retirement as a plan to activate anytime soon”, told Ovación. pic.twitter.com/qn5SCE3D1T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2025

Suarez could be considered a trustworthy source, given his close personal relationship developed with soft-spoken Messi after six seasons together at FC Barcelona.

"They are friends, they connect, they generate a telepathy that they have on the field," Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said in 2024. "Beyond that, they are friends, the families share and I think they are both in very good spirits and in very good shape here.”

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A post shared by Luis Suárez (@luissuarez9)

Mas also has a strong belief that retirement is not in Messi's immediate plans. The club and the 2024 MLS MVP are reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension through the 2026 MLS season, which would go beyond the upcoming World Cup.

Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, which many fans thought would be the perfect ending to his international career.

Less than a year later, his transfer to Inter Miami gave fuel to the idea that he would compete for one more World Cup in 2026, when the tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, his new home.

Argentina, winner of the 2024 Copa America final in Miami, has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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