Official: Uruguay icon Luis Suarez announces his retirement from International Football

Inter Miami star Luis Suarez announced his international retirement at an emotional press conference on Monday. The 37-year-old striker will play his final match for the Uruguay national against Paraguay 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture at Estadio Centenario on Friday evening. 

The former Barcelona player, Suarez is currently the all-time top goal scorer for Ugurguay, netting 69 goals in 142 International caps. While addressing the media, the former Liverpool and Ajax striker revealed his decision to hang his boots from International football after the upcoming World Cup qualifier match. 

I’ve been thinking about this and analyzing this. I believe this is the right time,” Suarez told. “I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team.” in the press conference. 

He added, “I’ll be just as excited to play as I was in 2007 when I played for my national team for the first time. That 19-year-old kid is now a veteran player, an older player however, you want to call it with an incredible history with the national team will give his life for the team on Friday.” (Quote: The Athletic)

In 2007, he made his national team debut against Colombia in a 3-1, right after moving to Europe to join the Dutch side FC Groningen. And, represented Uruguay in four FIFA World Cups – 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 — joining elite players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Thomas Muller, and Pele.

The forward’s recent appearance for the La Celeste came against Canada in Copa America 2024 in July. Suarez delivered a man-of-the-match performance courtesy of a 92nd-minute goal to salvage the victory for his team to clinch the Bronze medal in the South American competition. 

Suarez stated, “I was lucky to win many titles in my career, but I would not change the Copa América title for anything in the world, That Copa América trophy in 2011 was the most beautiful moment I experienced in my career as a professional player.” on his Copa America triumph in 2011 with La Celeste. 

Read More: Luis Suárez: Life, Clubs, Family, Stats and Net Worth