Luis Suarez says that Messi was ‘misunderstood’ over retirement plans

Barcelona’s Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has said his teammate Lionel Messi’s words about a possible retirement have been misunderstood by the media and the public.

32-year-old Lionel Messi said the moment of departure was approaching, after winning the Ballon d’Or for the second time in a row on Monday, prompting speculation about his retirement.

However, Suarez is convinced the Argentine’s comments have been misunderstood, adding that he expects his teammate to be active in the world of football for several more years.

“Messi amazes me because he is unique and is writing the story,” Suarez said in an interview with beIN Sports.

“As a teammate and teammate, the Golden Ball he won makes me happy and proud because it was a great moment for him.”

“His comments were misinterpreted. When someone wins the Golden Ball, they are happy, but they are also under stress.”

“Leo is a human being and he is stressed out like all of us. He wanted to say that he might have to fight retirement after two or three years.”

“His statement was misunderstood, but I’m sure Leo Messi will continue to play for a long time.”

The 32-year-old Argentine moved to Barcelona from Newell’s Old Boys in 2000 and has since become known by many as the best footballer of all time.

Messi has managed to contribute 624 goals and 250 assists in 700 appearances for Barcelona’s first team.

The Argentine star recently won the Ballon d’Or for the sixth time in his career, leaving big rival Cristiano Ronaldo behind in the race for the most Ballon d’Or, as the Portuguese has five.