"I love you so much" - Lionel Messi sends heartfelt message to Luis Suarez as ex-Barcelona teammate seals Nacional return
Lionel Messi showered his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez with a lot of affection following the latter's move to his boyhood club Nacional. As per the Sun, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward sent an emotional message to Suarez via a video.
Suarez returned to his boyhood club as a free agent after his contract with Atletico Madrid expired in June. The 35-year-old was given a hero's welcome at the Gran Parque Central by thousands of fans.
He made his first appearance for the club in more than 16 years on Tuesday, August 2. The Uruguayan club lost 1-0 against Atletico Goianiense in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals.
Suarez played four matches in his last stint at Nacional.
Luis Suarez was welcomed back to Nacional by thousands of fans, and received a special video message from former teammate Lionel Messi 🇺🇾 https://t.co/TxDhmHZIxA
Messi expressed his joy over his former teammate's return to his former club and wished him all the best. He said:
"Hey gordo! Well, you're there now and I wanted to give you a big hug and wish you all the best in this new chapter of yours. I know how important it is for you to be back to your country, your home, to Nacional after so long and prepare for the World Cup in a few months. I wish you all the best."
Messi also joked that he will start following Nacional from here on out. However, he also added that Newell's Old Boys do not have good memories against Nacional. He added:
"You know I love you so much now I have to follow Nacional from here! We Newell's fans don't have good memories of Nacional. But, you know, I care about you and I am here for whatever you need. Hey gordo, as I said I wish you all the best and hopefully we will see you soon. A big hug. Bye!"
Luis Suarez's journey from initial stint at Nacional to a return to the club
In May 2005, at the age of 18, Suárez played the first official game of his career for Nacional against Atlético Junior in the Copa Libertadores. He scored 10 goals for the Tricolores before moving to Europe with Groningen in 2006.
twitter.com/luissuarez9/st…
¡Qué lindo es tenerte acá! 🤩
#ElClubGigante 🔵⚪️🔴 twitter.com/luissuarez9/st…
He then joined Ajax one year later and spent four years at the Dutch club, scoring 111 goals in 157 matches. He then moved to Liverpool, where he was a force to be reckoned with.
The Uruguayan scored 82 goals and provided 46 assists in 133 matches for the Reds before joining Barcelona in 2014. In an incredibly successful stint at Camp Nou, the striker scored 194 goals and provided 113 assists in 281 matches.
He then moved to Atletico Madrid in 2020 before returning to Nacional this summer.