Lionel Messi’s Retirement In 2016 Made Luis Suarez ‘Suffer’ Personally- “A Strong Blow To Us”

The year was 2016, and a tremor ran through the soccer world. Not the thunderous roar of a goal. But a quiet announcement that the Argentine legend Lionel Messi was retiring from international soccer. The news sent shockwaves across the seas, leaving fans confused and heartbroken. A close friend of La Pulga, Luis Suarez, recently traveled back to the grim period and described how devastating it was to him and Messi’s dear ones.

Messi’s ambitions collapsed when Chile defeated Argentina in the 2016 Copa America final. The 36-year-old could not forgive himself after he missed a spot-kick in the shootout after the match. This unfortunate incident prompted Messi to bid adieu to the international soccer scenario. Now let’s find out how an insider looks at the incident.

Luis Suarez had a hard time when Lionel Messi retired in 2016

In an interview with Clank, Luis Suarez detailed his situation when Lionel Messi retired from international football. He said, “I was there in 2016 when he retired from the national team. I know how difficult that was and how much he, his children, his wife, and we, as his friends, suffered.“

Suarez added, “It was a strong blow to us. He wanted to achieve his dream, so the happiness of winning the World Cup was very great.” The Uruguayan star was deeply relieved when Messi decided to return, and he was optimistic that his dearest friend had more to achieve. Hence, Lionel Messi winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a moment of satisfaction and pride for Suarez.

About his retirement, Messi once said that after losing the match, he felt that it was high time for him to end his international career. However, after a few months, Messi announced that he polished his football boots because of his love for Argentina. Moreover, the Inter-Miami star’s best buddy also talked about their iconic ‘MSN’ trio.

The Uruguayan gives an update on the ‘MSN’ bonding!

Every Messi fan would adore the ‘MSN’ era of FC Barcelona. Back then, the soccer fraternity looked upon the bond between Lionel Messi, Suarez, and Neymar. The trio gave fans a monumental reason to celebrate by achieving a treble in the 2014–2015 season.

READ MORE: “I Didn’t Sleep With the Cup” – Lionel Messi Clarifies Instagram’s 3rd Most Liked Ever Post

However, Suarez mentioned that the trio find it hard to keep their virtual communication active. They no longer maintain their ‘MSN’ WhatsApp group as Neymar and Messi keep changing their phone number. However, to the relief of fans, their friendship is very much alive to date. What are your thoughts about the friendship between Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi? Let us know in the comments below.

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