Luis Suarez vs Lionel Messi! Marcelo Bielsa recalls in-form striker to Uruguay squad ahead of World Cup qualifier with Argentina

Suarez was selected by Bielsa for the first time since taking over as Uruguay head coach in May. The 36-year-old has not featured for his country since their World Cup group stage exit last December. The call-up sets an intriguing potential meeting with former-Barcelona team-mate and close friend Lionel Messi who is likely to captain Argentina when the two sides face off in La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Thursday.

Suarez has been in outstanding form in Brazil this term with his 14 goals firing Gremio into title contention with four games of the Serie A season remaining. The Uruguayan's goal glut has led to speculation that he may remain Porto Alegre for the final year of his contract putting a strongly-rumoured move to Inter Miami and a link-up with former Barca colleagues Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in doubt.

Suarez and Messi struck up a close friendship as well as a devastating on-field partnership during six seasons together at Barcelona, winning four league titles, four Spanish cups and Champions League together before the Uruguayan was deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou.

La Celeste have made a strong start to the marathon 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying phase and will be fascinating to see how they match up against the World Champions on Thursday night.