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Luis Suarez, a legendary figure in Uruguayan football, has announced his retirement from international play at the age of 37. The former Liverpool forward confirmed that his final match for Uruguay will be the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, scheduled for Friday in Montevideo.
In a heartfelt press conference, Suarez, 37, shared,
"Friday will mark the end of my international career. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m committed to giving everything I have until the very last game for my country."
Suarez, known for his stints with Barcelona and Liverpool, is celebrated as one of the greatest players of his era. He will retire as Uruguay's all-time leading goal scorer, with 69 goals in 142 appearances. He made his debut for the national team against Colombia in February 2007.
Throughout his international career, Suarez participated in nine major tournaments. His most recent appearance was in the third-place match of the 2024 Copa America against Canada, where he scored a dramatic equalizer in the 92nd minute and converted his penalty in the ensuing shootout, contributing to Uruguay's third-place finish. He did not play in Uruguay's recent 1-1 friendly draw with Guatemala.
Suarez was a key player in Uruguay’s 2011 Copa America-winning squad, scoring four goals, including two in the semi-finals and one in the final. His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade, helping Uruguay secure their 15th Copa America title and their first since 1995.
He made his senior debut against Colombia in 2007, although his match was marred by a red card. Suarez’s first World Cup came in 2010, where he netted three goals, including both strikes in Uruguay's 2-1 victory over South Korea in the round of 16.
During the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals against Ghana, Suarez was famously sent off for handling the ball on the line, denying a goal that would likely have knocked Uruguay out. His actions led to a missed penalty from Asamoah Gyan, allowing Uruguay to advance to the semi-finals for the first time since 1970.
In the 2014 World Cup, Suarez scored twice in a group stage win over England. However, his tournament was cut short by a nine-match international ban following an incident where he bit Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, which also excluded him from the remainder of the World Cup and the 2015 Copa America.
