Uruguay’s legendary striker, Luis Suarez, has made the difficult decision to hang up his boots at the international level, much to the dismay of fans all over the world. In an emotional announcement, the 37-year-old revealed that his last match for La Celeste will be the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay at the iconic Estadio Centenario.
With tears in his eyes, Suarez expressed his feelings, stating, “I’ve been thinking about this and analyzing this. I believe this is the right time. I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team. 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.”
Suarez leaves behind an incredible legacy with Uruguay, holding the record for most goals scored, with 69 goals in 142 appearances over a remarkable 14-year international career.
His last outing for his country was in the 2024 Copa America, where he scored a crucial goal against Canada in the third-place play-off. Suarez was instrumental in leading Uruguay to a third-place finish in the tournament, showcasing his skill and determination on the pitch.
Throughout his career, Suarez has faced both triumph and controversy. From his stunning performances in the 2010 World Cup to his infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini in 2014, the striker has experienced it all. Despite the ups and downs, Suarez has always shown dedication to his national team.
Speaking at his retirement press conference, Suarez reflected on his tumultuous journey, saying, “We did go through difficult moments. There were many. Personally, it was worse for me after my massive mistake in 2014. But there’s nothing that I would reproach.”
After returning from his ban following the biting incident at the 2014 World Cup, Suarez played a crucial role in helping Uruguay qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess were integral to the team’s success in the tournament, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Currently plying his trade with Inter Miami, Suarez continues to showcase his talent in the MLS, leading his team in goals this season. His impact on the pitch is undeniable, as he proves time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with.
As Suarez bids farewell to international football, fans can only look back on his illustrious career with admiration and respect for the incredible player that he is. The legacy he leaves behind with Uruguay will forever be etched in football history.
The news of Suarez’s retirement was met with mixed emotions from fans around the world, who will undoubtedly miss watching the iconic striker grace the pitch for La Celeste. Felipe Cárdenas contributed to this story.
