Barcelona star Luis Suarez has moved to ease fears that Lionel Messi is planning for retirement.
The Argentinian spoke out about potentially calling time on his career in the coming years at this week's Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.
"I'm aware of how old I am," Messi said after picking up the award for the sixth time.
"And I enjoy these moments so much because I know that the moment of my retirement is approaching.
"It's difficult. I know I have some years left. Time flies and everything goes so quickly. I hope to keep enjoying football, my family and everything else in my life."
But Suarez believes his team-mate and close friend has many years ahead of him at the highest level.
"[Messi] amazes me because he is a one-off and is making history," he 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."
Messi beat Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d'Or after a stellar 2019.
The 32-year-old continues to dazzle for Barcelona but fears arose earlier this year that the club legend could leave at the end of the season.
Reports suggested a clause in Messi's contract could see him depart at short notice if he decided he wanted out.
But the club have since rubbished claims the Argentina hero could decide to leave the Nou Camp.
