Lionel Messi’s comments were misunderstood, admits Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez has cleared the air and dismissed any notion that Barcelona captain Lionel Messi is considering retirement in the next couple of years. The Argentine won the Ballon d'Or for the sixth time and in the process overtook Cristiano Ronaldo who has five. The former Liverpool striker, who is an extremely good friend of Messi went on to admit that the Argentine’s words at the Ballon d’Or Gala were misunderstood and the superstar is not thinking of retiring soon.

“ amazes me because he is a one-off and is making history. As a friend and team-mate, the Ballon d'Or makes me happy and proud because it's a beautiful moment for him. His comments were misinterpreted. When someone wins a Ballon d'Or they are happy but also nervous. 'Leo is a human being and gets nervous like the rest of us. He wanted to say he might have to contend with retiring in a couple of years. It was misunderstood, but I'm sure Leo Messi will continue for a long while yet,” said the former Liverpool striker to Daily Mail.

There has been some buzz around the Catalan club that they are planning to find an able and young replacement for Luis Suarez. The former Ajax man turns 33 in January and Barca are looking for options to replace him. Lautaro Martinez of Inter, Erling Braut Haaland of RB Salzburg and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United are said to be possible options. Suarez also went on to acknowledge the fact that the Catalan club will have to replace him and it’s natural for the club to look for successors for the number 9 role.

“As a fan of the club, I have to think about the future. Maybe the best thing is if [the club] sign a young or an established player to carry the torch as Barcelona's No 9,” concluded Suarez.