The Uruguayan ace says his Barca team-mate and close friend was misunderstood.

Lionel Messi made history on Monday after winning the Ballon d’Or for the sixth time but the Argentine also gave his fans a scare due to comments he made about his inevitable retirement. However, Luis Suarez has now attempted to clear the air regarding his statement.

“The moment of withdrawal is approaching” were Leo’s words during Monday’s ceremony. The Blaugrana icon is 32 and is understandably approaching the end of his illustrious career, but close friend and team-mate Suarez insists his words were misunderstood.

The Uruguayan ace stated that the Argentine did not mean retirement is right around the corner, as his fans feared. Speaking to beIN Sports, the former Liverpool forward his interpretation of Messi’s statement.

"[Messi] amazes me because he is a one-off and is making history," Suarez told beIN SPORTS.

"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."

Despite his injury woes during the start of the season, Leo is back to his best in the goalscoring department. The Blaugrana captain is averaging a goal per game in La Liga with nine strikes in nine appearances and has a total of 11 goals and eight assists in 14 games across all competitions.