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WHAT HAPPENED?
It was a day of celebration for Uruguay. Despite their underwhelming 0-0 draw with Paraguay, the fans inside the Estadio Centenario came to say goodbye to one of the country’s greatest players, Luis Suarez, and the farewell included a message from his Inter Miami teammate and friend Lionel Messi.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
A goalless draw at home to Paraguay isn’t the way Suarez envisioned his farewell. In 143 appearances he scored 69 goals and played a vital role in Uruguay’s international tournaments, including in their 2011 Copa America triumph. That is all behind him now and his focus will be on Inter Miami, where his team-mate Messi recorded a message for him to be shown on the big screen after the game.
WHAT MESSI SAID
Messi said: “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. 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.”
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SUAREZ?
It was an emotional evening that saw a Uruguayan legend bow out, but he still plays at Inter Miami. The Florida-based side sit top of the Eastern Conference and he, along with Messi, could bring MLS glory to the Herons this year.
