Luis Suarez began the interview with an apology for being 10 minutes late, smiling frequently and speaking with immense pride about his future plans, even more so than when discussing his illustrious playing career. His most passionate project is LSM, a football club he co-founded with Lionel Messi.

"When we started our careers, we lacked everything. So, we want to provide those opportunities for young footballers in Uruguay," the 39-year-old striker said via Zoom to El Pais, referring to his joint project with Messi. "We also want our colleagues to explain to these children that there is no path paved with roses, and simply saying 'I want to be a footballer' does not automatically guarantee success."

Luis Suarez (left) and Lionel Messi during the Inter Miami – Orlando City match at Chase Stadium, United States on 18/5/2025. Photo: Reuters

Suarez elaborated on the club's development, stating, "We started with the idea of owning our own team. I already had the entire operational structure in place, especially the youth academy. Then I discussed it with Messi and invited him to join. He immediately agreed. This project brings us both a lot of joy. Last year, the team earned promotion to the third division, and this year we are fighting for promotion to the second division."

"Our goal is to build good infrastructure for young players, helping them get everything our generation lacked: from training tools, competitive opportunities, nutrition, and sports psychologists, but above all, human values," Suarez explained. He believes these human values are often missing in modern football, noting, "There are many aspects associated with the professional football environment that young players need to understand. We also want to protect them from those who constantly hover around, promising all sorts of things about money, salaries of 10,000 or 15,000 USD. Those things do not help their development. The real difference comes only when they mature."

Regarding Lionel Messi's performance at the World Cup 2026, Suarez commented, "I watch Messi train daily and know how thoroughly he prepared for this World Cup. Some people say he is old. But his hunger for victory remains intact. He missed a penalty but did not falter; he continued to fight with persistence, ultimately scoring a brace. But beyond the goals, it's his attitude on the field and the way the whole team understands him. He does not need to run frantically throughout the match because his brain 'processes' faster than his feet."

Suarez highlighted the current version of Messi, saying, "It's the intelligence in choosing when to accelerate. And the thirst for victory is still there. I do not think he is obsessed with being the greatest scorer; everything just happens naturally. Messi wants to continue competing at the highest level. He could easily retire, live a comfortable and quiet life in Miami. But it is his professionalism that makes the difference." This professionalism, Suarez believes, reflects the rising quality of Major League Soccer (MLS). "Public opinion is always diverse. Today people say playing in this league does not require much running; tomorrow they say scoring here is too easy. So what is it? The league has been elevated by the arrival of major stars, both in the past and now. When they receive more attention, teams play with greater determination, and the overall standard rises."

Messi scores in Argentina's victory over Austria at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, United States on 22/6. Photo: Reuters

When asked about current center forwards, Suarez mentioned, "I have a few names. Erling Haaland is a menace in the box if the whole system serves him. But personally, I prefer Harry Kane; he knows how to drop deep to link play, reads the game well, and always thinks for his teammates." He also praised Darwin Nunez, adding, "He needs to work on his mentality; his physique and technical foundation are already there. Nunez is the type of player who can be molded. When he is in top form, he is the kind of striker I admire: fast, strong, and with plenty of room to improve and mature."

Suarez believes Julian Alvarez would suit Barcelona, stating, "Absolutely. An intelligent player with impressive development over the past 5-6 years, since leaving River Plate, gaining experience at Man City, Atletico Madrid, and with the Argentina national team. If he joins Barca, I believe he will adapt quickly because he knows how to perform his role well." He further described Alvarez as a hardworking player, "He holds up play well, makes intelligent runs, and would immediately fit into Barca's playing style. But of course, it is not an easy transfer decision. He is also playing for a big team, Atletico Madrid. Leaving right now is a difficult issue."

Recalling his own experience, Suarez admitted, "It is true, I tried every way to leave Liverpool in 2013 to go to Arsenal, due to a conflict with the management because the team did not qualify for the Champions League. I still remember captain Steven Gerrard trying everything to keep me. In Alvarez's case, coach Diego Simeone might keep him and say, 'This year I want you to stay with the team'." Suarez recounted Gerrard's words: "Stay, next year you can go wherever you want. Barca, Real Madrid, Bayern, you will get to those places. But this year, please stay and do not go to Arsenal." He added, "A player who is a living legend of Liverpool convinced me. I came to my senses, then apologized, and that was my most successful season at Anfield. Fans might be angry when you ask to leave, but if in the first game they see you play with a spirit of self-sacrifice, fighting your hardest for the club, they will stand up and applaud you again."

Regarding a potential return to the World Cup, Suarez confirmed, "I made my decision in 2024. I always said that if the national team needed me, I would never hesitate. But currently, Uruguay has high-level strikers. Football today demands physicality and speed. I can contribute in other aspects, especially experience. But the current young players are fully capable of shouldering the responsibility."

Suarez cries next to his wife Sofia Balbi (left) and children Delfina (right), Lautaro (center), and Benjamin next to a replica of the Copa America trophy during his tribute ceremony in his final match for the Uruguay national team at Centenario Stadium, Montevideo on 6/9/2025. Photo: AFP

Addressing the mixed opinions surrounding coach Marcelo Bielsa, Suarez said, "He has always been that way. We must understand and accept living with that personality. Some like him, some dislike him, but his coaching career speaks for itself." When confronted with the statistic that Uruguay had not won a World Cup match since 1990 without Luis Suarez, he responded, "Honestly, I did not know about this until recently, when someone told me, and that number is certainly startling, but ultimately it is just a statistic for reference. I hope this jinx will be broken."

Looking ahead to the upcoming match between Spain and Uruguay, Suarez assessed, "From the beginning, we identified Spain as the toughest opponent in the group. But for Uruguay, the most difficult match at a World Cup is always the opening game. The result against Cape Verde put us in a difficult position. The feeling now is that we missed two opportunities: to claim the top spot in the group and to create a safe margin." He emphasized the high stakes: "Now, Uruguay has to play a fair, do-or-die match. The World Cup pushes you to your limits, and Uruguayans are very familiar with overcoming difficulties. Look back at the past; we have always been there in the most critical moments: 2014, then 2018... This generation now stands before an opportunity to enter the hall of legends if they can defeat Spain."

Lamine Yamal celebrates a goal in Spain's victory over Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, United States on 21/6. Photo: Reuters

Suarez believes the key to the match is to play a perfect game and activate the "Garra Charrua" (the warrior spirit of Uruguay). He detailed the tactical approach: "We must neutralize Spain's key players, ensuring Yamal has an off day, Pedri cannot dictate the tempo, Dani Olmo cannot receive the ball between the lines, Rodri is not comfortable controlling play, and the fullbacks cannot push high. At the same time, we must play the sharpest counter-attacking football possible. That has always been Uruguay's identity: maintaining defensive shape and delivering decisive blows up front."

Observing Lamine Yamal's play, Suarez remarked, "When Yamal comes on, everything changes. Teammates constantly look for him, and you know something unexpected is about to happen. He always puts the opposing defense on high alert and draws defenders incredibly well. Even in Spain's second match, Yamal broke the deadlock with a goal and connected with his surrounding teammates. He continues to improve despite the heavy pressure of expectations, and he consistently delivers convincing answers on the field."

When asked how Yamal differs from a young Messi, Suarez stated, "I do not like comparisons. They are two different personalities. The only common points are their skillful left foot and innate talent, but their paths are completely different. Messi continues to prove his class; I hope Yamal can also reach that great stature."

Hoang Thong (according to El Pais)