LUIS SUAREZ broke down in tears after being shown an emotional message from Lionel Messi following his final Uruguay appearance.
The striker played for his national team for the last time on Friday night over 17 years on from making his debut.
Suarez was given a fitting send-off by fans in Montevideo following a goalless draw with Paraguay in World Cup qualifying.
Supporters unfurled banners in the crowd displaying the message: “Luis 9 Eternal.”
The 37-year-old had confirmed his retirement from international football in a press conference earlier in the week.
He steps away after scoring 69 goals in 142 caps and representing Uruguay at four World Cups.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Suarez was also part of their Copa America-winning side in 2011.
Following Friday’s match, Suarez and his family gathered on the pitch to watch a message from his friend Messi.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s video message appeared on the big screen at the Estadio Centenario as he 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’ve given to the national team and your country.
Most read in Football
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
“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’re giving you, which you more than deserve, for everything I mentioned before, for everything you gave to that team, you always gave your all, and until the very last day.
Luis Suarez’s career stats
2005-06 – Nacional – Four apps
2006-07 – Groningen – 37 apps, 15 goals
2007-11 – Ajax – 159 apps, 111 goals
2011-14 – Liverpool – 133 apps, 82 goals
2014-20 – Barcelona – 283 apps, 195 goals
2020-22 – Atletico Madrid – 83 apps, 34 goals
2022-23 – Nacional – 16 apps, eight goals
2023-24 – Gremio – 53 apps, 26 goals
2024-Present – Inter Miami – 27 apps, 20 goals
2007-24 – Uruguay – 142 caps, 69 goals
Trophies – Copa America, Champions League, Club World Cup, 5x LaLiga, Uefa Super Cup, 4x Copa del Rey, 2x Spanish Super Cup, League Cup, Eredivisie, Dutch Cup, 3x Uruguayan Primera Division
“You’re 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 and I’m happy that those years will be here, 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 always had by your side and wanted close. Big hug, I love you very much, goodbye.”
Suarez was visibly emotional as he welled up during Messi’s touching message.
The pair made 258 appearances together at Barcelona, winning 13 trophies including the treble in 2015.
They are now team-mates in the MLS with Inter Miami, who Suarez joined in January on a one-year deal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
