Although they rule world champions, Lionel MessiS presence with Argentina at 2026 FIFA VM remains uncertain – even by the legend’s own admission. But Inter Miami teammate and close friend Luis Suarez have added new insight, Share Desire Messi is still playing in the next edition of the tournament.
Suarez, who officially retired from international service with Uruguay In September 2024, now enjoys the last chapter of its career in Major League Soccer Beside Messi. In an interview with Ovation for The countryHe was asked about their future plans –And while he denied some concrete retirement calls, he easily threw Messi’s long -term ambitions.
“No, we’re joking a lot about it, but he still has the desire to play in next year’s World Cup“ Suarez revealed. “Obviously, after being away from the national team, that feeling starts to fade more on my side than his, but we haven’t really talked about it. We have talked that, when we are older, we can make that decision, but nothing concrete“He said.
When asked if Messi had confirmed his intention to play in 2026, Suárez was clear: “No, no, I don’t even ask him either. Some people don’t understand that. Look, here is an anecdote about the penalty the other day (against Los Angeles, in the 3-1 victory in Concachampions): Many celebrated, when he came close to him – teammates, even – and I didn’t even look at him, didn’t make a gesture or anything because I already know him.
“Sometimes, being a part of that moment makes me even more nervous, gives me more uncertainty. I already know how he is, and I don’t ask him any of it. Time will tell“He finished. In addition to his words about the World Cup, Suarez also offered a glimpse of the bands he shares with Messi – an anchored in deep understanding and mutual respect.
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Suarez’s future at Inter Miami
At 38 years old and with its contract with From Miami set to expire at the end of 2025, Suarez continues to meet questions about retirement. But the Uruguayan striker is not ready to set a timeline to hang his boots.
“It is difficult to talk about deadlines for an end. I know that football players have to prepare for the end because we are not prepared. It happened to me with the national team-you must be well prepared to meet the last step“Supported Suarez.
“Time will tell you how much I have left, but I still have the low to play, want to compete, and as long as that flame is illuminated, I want to continue competing as long as I can. I have no fixed deadline whether it is this year or the next. But as long as I am motivated, performing and showing it, I continue to enjoy it“He ended his answer.
With 587 career goals, Suárez is just 13 away from reaching the 600-goal milestone and 34 goals from breaking into the 10 best leading goalkeepers in football history. The veteran -striker acknowledged how meaningful that performance would be – and at the moment the idea of retirement remains.
