How the South American Trio MSN (Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar) Dominated European Soccer

There were plenty of iconic "Big 3s" all over team sports, such as LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh in the NBA. However, no other "Big 3" has caught the world's imagination as MSN, which is, of course, made up of Argentinian Lionel Messi, Uruguayan Luis Suarez, and Brazilian Neymar.

The legendary trio may all be from South America, but they went on to dominate Europe as they played together at FC Barcelona, winning not just the La Liga championship but also the prestigious UEFA Champions League, all while its rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid was going on.

MSN, which stands for Messi-Suarez-Neymar, became their monicker, and according to Give Me Sport, they were unstoppable in their heyday, especially during the 2014-2015 season when the deadly "Three Amigos" scored a combined total of 131 goals. Overall, MSN scored 353 goals together from 2014-2017.

While Argentine legend Messi provided the scoring and the passing, Brazilian sensation Neymar provided the athleticism. Finally, Uruguayan bad boy Luis Suarez provided their missing piece to lead FC Barcelona to an unstoppable run.

Each of the attacking trio was individually considered a star player, but together, they became a lot more as they became the highest-scoring soccer trio since the 1999-2000 season. So far, they are the only trio to combine for over 100 goals together in just one season.

MSN Members Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar Remained Friends After Breaking Up

As a trio, MSN won the treble for the 2014-2015 season as they married genius individual plays with Barcelona's trademark passing style of play. They played 451 games together, winning 322 games and seven trophies in total. Their conquests include two La Liga titles, as well as the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League title itself.

However, even after the South American trio broke up in 2017 after Suarez left FC Barcelona for Atletico Madrid on a free transfer as a result of FC Barcelona chiefs refusing to extend his contract, the trio remained very close.

According to The Mirror, Suarez and his family remain close friends with Messi's family, even spending holidays together. The Uruguayan bad boy even rushed to Neymar's and Messi's defense when Paris Saint-Germain fans booed them during their embarrassing Champions League exit against Real Madrid.

Currently, Suarez is playing in Brazil, though rumors are floating that he may join Messi at Inter Miami soon. Meanwhile, Neymar is currently injured, but he is playing for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

Luis Suarez Was Deemed Too Old

As to what happened to the trio after the breakup, FC Barcelona refused to extend Luis Suarez's contract because they believed he was too old despite playing the best games of his career there.

Before the breakup, Messi had reportedly been getting frustrated with the club, and rumors were swirling that he might be leaving soon. However, many were surprised that the club gave the boot to Suarez instead.

"What really bothered me was when they told me that I was old and that I could no longer play at a high level, be up to [the task of fronting] a great team," the Uruguayan stated in a previous interview. "That's what I did not like."

According to GOAL, he scored at least 20 goals during each of the seasons he was there. Despite this, he was sold to Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Messi was also transferred to PSG as Barca was seeking to rebuild and was also facing some cash troubles.

READ MORE: Neymar and Girlfriend Bruna Biancardi Welcome First Baby

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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