Luis Suárez has announced his retirement from the Uruguay national team during a news conference, revealing that he will conclude his international career following the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday. The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, leaves as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 142 appearances over a 17-year span.
In a heartfelt address, the 37-year-old expressed his pride in knowing the right moment to step back from international play. “It comforts me a lot that I can retire and not due to injuries or being dropped,” he said, emphasizing his desire to leave on his own terms. He acknowledged the challenge of aiming for another World Cup but felt at peace with his decision, stating he has given his all until the end.
Suárez made his senior debut for Uruguay on February 8, 2007, against Colombia and quickly became a key player for the national team. He helped secure Uruguay’s spot in the 2010 World Cup, where his controversial handball in the quarterfinals against Ghana became infamous. Although he was sent off, his actions allowed his team to advance after a missed penalty led to a victory in the shootout.
Throughout his career, Suárez participated in four World Cups and multiple Copa América tournaments, with notable success in 2011 when he helped Uruguay clinch the title. He regards that triumph as a highlight of his career, stating that he wouldn’t trade the Copa América victory for anything.
His last international match was during the 2024 Copa América, where he contributed to the team’s third-place victory against Canada with a crucial penalty goal. Recently, Suárez joined the star-studded Inter Miami roster featuring Lionel Messi and others, performing well in the MLS and scoring 16 goals this season, including two in a recent match against Chicago Fire FC.