Suarez: 'Messi's brain is faster than his feet'

Speaking to Spanish newspaper El Pais, striker Luis Suarez spoke about his close friend Lionel Messi, contemporary top talent Lamine Yamal, and Uruguay national team coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Suarez began with an apology for being 10 minutes late, laughed a lot, and spoke about his plans with even greater pride than when talking about his glory-filled playing career. And his most passionate project is LSM, the football club that Suarez and Messi co-founded.

"When we first started, we lacked everything. Therefore, we want to bring those opportunities to youth football in Uruguay," the 39-year-old striker told El Pais via Zoom, speaking about the joint project with Messi. "We also want our associates to explain to the kids that no path is covered in roses, and it's not like just saying 'I want to be a player' automatically brings success."

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

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- Could you share more about your club?

• 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 agreed immediately. This is truly a project that brings us a lot of joy. Last year, the team won promotion to the Third Division, and this year we are fighting to get promoted to the Second Division.

Our goal is to build a good infrastructure for young players, helping them have everything that our generation lacked in the past: from training tools, competitive opportunities, nutrition, psychologists... but above all, human values.

- Do you say that because modern football lacks those human values?

• There are many aspects associated with the professional football environment that young players need to understand. We also want to protect them from people who always hang around making promises about money, salaries of $10,000 or $15,000. Those things do not help their development. The real difference only comes when they mature.

- What do you think about what Messi is showing at the 2026 World Cup?

• I watch Messi train every day and know well how thoroughly he prepared for this World Cup. Some say he is old. But his hunger to win remains intact. He missed a penalty but did not collapse, kept fighting, persevered, and finished with a brace. But beyond the goals is his attitude on the pitch and the way the whole team understands Messi. He doesn't need to run frantically the whole match, because his brain works faster than his feet.

- What is different about the current version of Messi compared to before?

• It's the intelligence in choosing when to accelerate. And the hunger for victory remains intact. I don't think he is obsessed with being the greatest goalscorer; everything just comes naturally. Messi wants to continue competing at the highest level. He could completely retire, living a peaceful and quiet life in Miami. But it is his professionalism that makes the difference.

- Does this speak to the rising quality of Major League Soccer (MLS)?

• Public opinion is always multi-dimensional. Today people say playing in this league doesn't require much running, tomorrow they say scoring here is too easy. In the end, what is it? The league has elevated thanks to the arrival of big stars, both past and present. When receiving more attention, teams will play with more determination, and the overall standard will rise.

Messi scores in Argentina's win over Austria at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA on June 22, 2026. Photo: Reuters

- Currently, is there any center forward who particularly catches your attention?

• I have a few names. Erling Haaland is a monster in the box if the whole system serves him. But personally, I prefer Harry Kane; he knows how to drop deep to link up play, reads the game well, and always thinks for his teammates.

And Darwin Nunez too. He needs to work more on his mentality; his physical and technical foundation is already there. Nunez is a player who can definitely be molded. When at his best, he is the type of striker I really love: fast, strong, and with plenty of room to improve and mature.

- Do you think Julian Alvarez is a good fit for Barca?

• Absolutely. An intelligent player with an impressive development path over the past 5-6 years, from leaving River Plate, gaining experience at Man City, Atletico Madrid, to the Argentina national team. If he joins Barca, I believe he will adapt quickly because he knows how to perform his role well.

Alvarez hardworking player. Hold ball well, run smart, fit Barca playstyle fast. Transfer not easy. Play for big club Atletico Madrid. Leave now hard.

- You pressure Liverpool to leave before?

• Yes. Try leave 2013 for Arsenal. Fight board because no Champions League spot. Captain Steven Gerrard stop me. Alvarez case, coach Diego Simeone might keep him, say: "Stay this year."

Gerrard say: "Stay. Next year go anywhere. Barca, Real Madrid, Bayern. This year, stay, no Arsenal." Liverpool legend convince me. Wake up, apologize, play best season at Anfield. Fans angry when want leave. But see you fight hard first game, they applaud.

- Think play few minutes this World Cup? Rumor say return for Uruguay.

• Decide in 2024. Always say help national team if need. But Uruguay have top strikers now. Modern football need strength, speed. Can help with experience. Young players ready.

Suarez cry with wife Sofia Balbi (left), kids Delfina (right), Lautaro (middle), Benjamin next to Copa America cup replica. Tribute ceremony, last game for Uruguay at Centenario stadium, Montevideo, September 6, 2025. Photo: AFP

- Mixed opinions on coach Marcelo Bielsa. He crazy like people say?

• Always like that. Must accept personality. Some like, some hate. Career prove success.

- Stats show Uruguay no win World Cup game since 1990 without Luis Suarez?

• Not know until recently. Shocking stat, but just number. Hope break curse.

- Thoughts on Spain vs Uruguay game?

• Spain toughest opponent. But opening game hardest. Cape Verde result put us in tough spot. Miss two chances: top group, safety margin.

Now, must play do-or-die game. World Cup push to limit. Uruguayans used to struggle. Look past: 2014, 2018. This generation become legends if beat Spain.

Lamine Yamal celebrate goal, Spain beat Saudi Arabia, Atlanta, Georgia, US, June 21, 2026. Photo: Reuters

- Key to game wake up "Garra Charrua" warrior spirit?

• Key: play perfect game. Stop Spain threats. Make Yamal play bad, Pedri no tempo, Dani Olmo no ball between lines, Rodri no control, full-backs no attack. Counter-attack sharp. Uruguay identity: solid defense, lethal counter.

- How see Yamal play?

• When Yamal play, everything change. Teammates find him. Danger imminent. Put defense on alert, draw defenders. Second game, Yamal break deadlock, score, connect teammates. Improve despite pressure. Prove on pitch.

- Yamal different from young Messi how?

- No like comparison. Different personalities. Only same: left foot, talent. Path different. Messi still prove class. Hope Yamal reach greatness.

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