Luis Suárez announced his retirement from the Uruguay national team during a news conference today, confirming that he will conclude his international career after the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward, now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, leaves as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, netting 69 goals in 142 appearances over a remarkable 17-year span.
Suárez, 37, expressed his pride in knowing it was the right moment to step back, stating, “There is no better pride in oneself than knowing when the right moment to retire is. I am confident that I am retiring because I want to take a step aside.” He emphasized the difficulty of continuing to the next World Cup, noting that it brings him comfort to retire on his own terms rather than due to injuries or lack of selection.
Reflecting on his journey, Suárez recalled making his senior debut for Uruguay on February 8, 2007, in a 3-1 victory against Colombia, quickly becoming a key player. By 2010, he played a vital role in the squad’s qualification for the World Cup in South Africa, where he became known for an infamous handball in the quarterfinal match against Ghana. His action helped Uruguay advance through a penalty shootout, although he was sent off during the game.
Suárez has participated in four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022) and multiple Copa América tournaments, securing significant achievements, including the MVP award in the 2011 Copa América, where he scored the first goal in the final against Paraguay.
His last appearance in international play was during the 2024 Copa América, where he contributed to his team’s victory in the third-place match against Canada. Suárez has started a new chapter with Inter Miami, joining stars like Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. He scored twice in their latest match, bringing his total for the season to 16 goals.