Luis Suárez Sets Sporting Record as Uruguay Star Reflects on Messi

Two football stories involving players named Luis Suárez emerged around the same period, with a Colombian striker making club history in Europe and the Uruguayan forward discussing Lionel Messi's international farewell. On October 13, 2026, the Colombian Suárez scored against Lens in the UEFA Champions League, reaching seven goals for Sporting CP and becoming the Portuguese club's leading scorer in the competition, according to 365Scores.

The goal came just over 20 minutes into Sporting's match against Lens in France. It gave the Lisbon side the lead and extended the Colombian forward's scoring record since joining the club to replace Viktor Gyökeres, according to 365Scores.

His seven Champions League goals established a new individual milestone for Sporting. The achievement highlighted his contribution to the Portuguese team's attack, although the match was still underway when the report was published.

Separately, Uruguay international Luis Suárez discussed Messi's departure from Argentina's national team following Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over DC United on October 10. The Uruguayan forward, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona from 2014 to 2020 and later reunited with him in Miami, described the emotional significance of the farewell.

Suárez acknowledged the sadness surrounding Messi's final appearance for Argentina while emphasizing his satisfaction with what his longtime teammate had accomplished. The Uruguayan forward said, "Everyone saw the sadness he showed about leaving the national team, but he has the peace of mind and pride of knowing he gave everything." He added that Messi had reached "the highest level with his country."

Messi's final Argentina appearance came on October 6, when Lionel Scaloni's team defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental. The match marked the end of Messi's 21-year international career, according to Infobae.

Discussing his friend's feelings after the farewell, Suárez said, "He feels very proud that he gave everything he had to give." Messi finished his Argentina career as the national team's record holder for appearances and goals, with 208 matches, 126 goals and 67 assists, according to Infobae.

Messi scored from the penalty spot and supplied two assists against Benin. More than 85,000 spectators attended the match, which included tributes organized by the Argentine Football Association and appearances by former players and members of World Cup-winning squads.

During his farewell address, Messi described representing Argentina as the greatest privilege in football. He said, "Playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you." His international career included the Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Suárez also welcomed the opportunity to continue playing alongside Messi in the United States. Reflecting on their partnership, he said, "I'm happy to be by his side and share great moments." The pair had previously formed part of Barcelona's attack alongside Neymar and have continued their on-field partnership at Inter Miami.

Against DC United, the Uruguayan opened the scoring in the third minute and added another goal in the 39th. Messi scored in the 47th and 60th minutes, with Suárez assisting the first of the Argentine's two goals, according to Infobae.

The victory ended Inter Miami's five-game winless run in Major League Soccer and moved the team to 49 points, placing it second in the Eastern Conference. Messi reached 23 league goals, while Suárez brought his season total to 16. The Uruguayan said, "Keep enjoying moments here now and help Inter Miami win MLS." Inter Miami's next scheduled match was a home fixture against New York City FC on October 14.