While in England they cause a furore, this is how Nunez and Diaz were received on their return to South America

As expected, Liverpool stars Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez arrived together in Barranquilla for the 2026 World Cup Qualifying match between Colombia and Uruguay, to be played this Thursday at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez. The Colombian and the Uruguayan were in the starting line-up for the Reds in the 2-2 away draw against Brighton in the Premier League. After that game in England, the two players, who are good friends and often meet up with their families, left together for Colombia. This Monday, they landed in Barranquilla.

Many of the people in the waiting rooms of the Ernesto Cortissoz airport at that time were impressed by the sight of the two South American football stars. With their caps pulled low, they tried to go unnoticed, but a good number of travellers identified them immediately. When they got off the plane, policemen were waiting for them to take them to the car that transported them to the Hilton Garden Inn hotel, where the Uruguayan national team is staying, and the Dann Carlton hotel, where the Colombian national team is staying.

Will there be a bet between the two for the play-off match? We shall see. For the time being, each has reported for duty with his national team. For 90 minutes each will fight for their own. After the match they will again shake hands and travel together to be red hot again in the Premier League. Some people did not notice the presence of the two South American football stars. Before joining forces in English football, Diaz and Nunez were rivals in Portuguese football. Diaz played for Porto, while Nunez played for Portugal's Benfica. In other words, they were on completely opposite sides, with a legendary rivalry on Portuguese soil. At Liverpool they have got on so well that even their families have bonded. Luis Diaz's wife has uploaded videos in which the good relationship is evident.

<strong>Great performance from both</strong>

Both players have had a great performance so far this season, especially on the Uruguayan's side with three assists and three goals between the Premier League matches but also in the Europa League. While Diaz has scored twice and so far no assists.