da 888： Luis Suarez has revealed how a playful “fat man” jibe from Lionel Messi helped to form the fearsome ‘MSN’ attacking unit at Barcelona.

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South American forwards starred at Camp NouNeymar was final piece of the puzzleChanged system Luis Enrique put in placeWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine icon was originally asked to play as a false nine by former Barca boss Luis Enrique, with Suarez and Brazilian forward Neymar alongside him. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was, however, happy to let his Uruguayan colleague slot into a central striking berth that required less running and allowed him to put his predatory finishing skills to better use.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SUAREZ SAID

Suarez has told of the fabled ‘MSN’ group clicking into place during a Champions League meeting with Ajax: “Luis Enrique wanted Messi to play as a false nine because he was used to that position and Neymar and I were on the flanks, but he saw that it didn’t work. Messi told me, ‘Oh fat man, stay in the nine position, and I’ll open the pitch for you on the right side.’ And that’s the start of the MSN.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi referred to Suarez as “gordo”, which while translating as “fat” or “big man” is a term regularly used by Spanish speakers as a jovial term of banter that does not necessarily hint at weight. Suarez used it himself when responding to Messi’s eighth Golden Ball triumph in 2023 by posting on social media: “How great you are, fatty! Now work hard to get the ninth. Have a good time because you deserve it.”

Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR SUAREZ?

Suarez hit 198 goals for Barcelona through 283 appearances, helping them to La Liga and Champions League glory alongside Messi. He may be about to reunite with the World Cup winner in MLS, with the 36-year-old striker mulling over a move to Inter Miami after severing ties with Brazilian side Gremio.