Suarez left the club 16 years ago to embark on a European adventure which included spells at Groningen, Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

He became close friends with Messi during his time at the Nou Camp and the Argentinian had an emotional message for Suarez.

Messi said: “Hey gordo! Well, you’re there now and I wanted to give you a big hug and wish you all the best in this new chapter of yours.

“I know how important it is for you to be back to your country, your home, to Nacional after so long and prepare for the World Cup in a few months. I wish you all the best.

“You know I love you so much now I have to follow Nacional from here! We Newell’s fans don’t have good memories of Nacional.

“But, you know, I care about you and I am here for whatever you need.

“Hey gordo, as I said I wish you all the best and hopefully we will see you soon. A big hug. Bye!”

Suarez has signed for Nacional on a free transfer but the move was only made possible by Messi.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker lent his former Barcelona team-mate his £12million plane so he could jet to his homeland with his family in style on Sunday.

Suarez rejected an offer from MLS side LAFC to complete a romantic return to Nacional, and he was mobbed by fans as he made his way into the stadium.