“The knee, too many games, rubbish” - Ex-Chelsea star makes bold claim on Luis Suarez wanting to play with Lionel Messi
Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gus Poyet has made a bold claim about his compatriot Luis Suarez's desire to play with Argentine maestro Lionel Messi. The 56-year-old claimed that the legendary Uruguayan marksman could have prolonged his career in South America, but was overcome by his wish to play alongside Messi again.
Suarez enjoyed a successful six-year spell alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner at Barcelona. The pair were part of the famed 'MSN' trio, alongside Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr.
Of his 283 appearances for Barcelona, 258 were alongside Messi. He assisted the Argentine icon 56 times and scored off his passes on 43 occasions.
When Messi joined Inter Miami on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, Suarez quickly followed suit and joined the MLS outfit from Brazilian side Gremio. In 16 appearances together for the Herons, he has assisted the 2022 World Cup winner five times, with the latter returning the favour six times.
When asked if Suarez could extend his stay in Miami beyond the end of his current contract (expiring in December 2024), Poyet said (via GOAL h/t William Hill):
"With Luis, we know how much he enjoys his football, how much he needs his family, how much he needs to be surrounded by people he wants to be with. I remember when he was living in Brazil and people were talking about different reasons and blah, blah, blah."
"I didn’t talk to him, but I knew the reason was ‘Ok, I’m going to be with Lionel Messi again, the families are going to be together and we’re going to be playing together’. Simple. The rest – the knee, too many games, rubbish. If both are enjoying it there and can stay for a few years, he will (extend his contract)."
"At the moment he is playing as well. It’s not like the kind of situation where you have too much pain or you are hurting yourself and forcing your body. At the moment he is doing it naturally, so why not?" Poyet added.
Suarez has been one of Miami's standout contributors in the 2024 MLS regular season, with 17 goals and six assists in 22 appearances.
"They are taking American soccer to a different level" - Gus Poyet highlights impact of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on the MLS
Former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet outlined the impact that Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have had on American football since their arrival at Inter Miami.
Speaking to GOAL (in association with William Hill), the 56-year-old, who has previously managed Brighton & Hove Albion, Real Betis, and the Greece national team, said:
"It’s nice because they are taking American soccer to a different level. It’s everywhere the news, constantly, it doesn’t matter what happens. Before we didn’t get any. It’s going back to the times of David Beckham, when he went there (to LA Galaxy)."
Suarez is currently tied-second in the MLS Golden Boot race, with 17 goals (and six assists) in 22 games. Despite missing a major chunk of action due to injury, Messi sits fourth and third in the goal and assist charts, respectively, with 14 goals and 14 assists in 14 appearances.
Up next, the dynamic duo will be seen in action when Inter Miami take on New York City on September 21.