Luis Suárez revealed that Lionel Messi is focused on playing in the 2026 World Cup, dispelling retirement rumors, while also highlighting their strong friendship and mutual respect, with both players continuing their successful partnership at Inter Miami.

Luis Suárez, the legendary Uruguayan striker, has opened up about his close friendship with Lionel Messi and shared some intriguing insights into Messi’s plans regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and his potential retirement from international football.

The two have forged a deep bond over their years of playing together, both at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami, where they continue to thrill fans with their on-field chemistry.

Suárez, who made a high-profile move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in December 2023 to join Messi and other former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, revealed that he has never pressed Messi on the subject of his World Cup aspirations.

Despite their close friendship, Suárez respects Messi’s privacy and refrains from discussing such sensitive matters, understanding the weight of the decision Messi faces.

As the 2026 World Cup looms large, Messi’s plans are under close scrutiny, and Suárez’s comments provide an exclusive window into the mindset of the global football icon.

At 36 years old, Messi is at a pivotal point in his career. After leading Argentina to a remarkable World Cup victory in 2022, Messi’s legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

However, with the 2026 World Cup potentially being his final appearance on the world’s biggest stage, the question of whether he will continue to play for his national team remains a hot topic.

Messi’s future in international football has been the subject of much speculation, and while Suárez refrains from pressing him for answers, the world is eager to see if Messi will once again lead Argentina to glory or if he will hang up his international boots after 2026.

Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is especially significant for Inter Miami, where his arrival has already shaken up the landscape of Major League Soccer.

The team’s success with Messi on board has sparked renewed interest in MLS, attracting global attention and bringing in top-tier players like Busquets and Alba. However, Messi’s potential retirement from international duty could impact the trajectory of the club as well.

With Messi continuing to perform at an elite level in MLS, his decision to retire from international football could be a major turning point for both the player and the league.

Suárez, who retired from international duty in September 2024, no longer faces the pressures of competing for his national team but remains a pivotal figure for Inter Miami.

As Uruguay’s all-time leading goalscorer, Suárez’s retirement from international football marked the end of an era for the South American nation, but it has allowed him to focus entirely on his club career.

His move to Inter Miami has seen him continue to play at an exceptionally high level, scoring regularly and forming a potent attacking partnership with Messi.

This dynamic duo has revitalized the team, leading to some memorable victories, including a thrilling 6-2 win over the New York Red Bulls, where Suárez netted a hat-trick, breaking the club’s single-season goalscoring record previously held by Gonzalo Higuaín.

The 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has become a focal point of Messi’s career plans. It will be his sixth World Cup, a remarkable achievement, and a chance to further solidify his status as the greatest player in the history of the sport.

Suárez’s comments about Messi’s focus on the tournament suggest that Messi is not contemplating retirement from international football just yet.

While Messi has remained tight-lipped about his long-term future, Suárez’s observations imply that Messi is fully committed to playing at the highest level for at least one more World Cup.

The possibility of Messi retiring after 2026 would mark the end of an extraordinary era for Argentina. After leading them to victory in the 2022 World Cup, Messi’s impact on international football is immeasurable.

The 2026 World Cup would be the perfect opportunity for him to cap off his international career with another global triumph, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game.

However, with the future of international football in mind, Messi’s decision about the 2026 World Cup will not only affect his legacy but also influence the trajectory of Inter Miami and MLS.

If Messi continues playing internationally, it will only add to his iconic status, and his involvement in the 2026 World Cup will keep MLS in the global spotlight.

If he retires from international duty, it could shift his focus entirely to his role with Inter Miami, where he could continue to grow the league’s popularity and contribute to the team’s success.

As Messi grapples with these monumental decisions, Suárez remains a supportive and understanding figure in his life. Their friendship, formed through years of playing together, has remained strong despite the geographical distance and the different paths their careers have taken.

Suárez’s comments on Messi’s future provide an insider’s perspective on the bond they share, and his respect for Messi’s decisions reflects the trust between the two stars.

In the meantime, Suárez’s future in MLS looks bright. He continues to play a crucial role in Inter Miami’s plans, and with Messi at his side, the two could help elevate the team to new heights.

The potential addition of Messi’s long-time Argentina teammate Ángel Di María, who is also reportedly on Inter Miami’s radar, could add another layer of excitement to the team’s lineup and further boost their chances in both domestic and international competitions.

As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, with fans, teammates, and the football world eagerly awaiting his decision about his international future.

Suárez’s remarks provide a fascinating glimpse into Messi’s mindset as he prepares for one of the most important World Cups of his career.

Whether Messi continues his international journey or retires after 2026, his legacy will remain untouchable, and his impact on the footballing world will be felt for generations.