The storied Uruguayan striker bid farewell to his country’s squad on Friday and must now give his all to Inter Miami’s final MLS season.
This Friday, in a Conmebol 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Montevideo, Luis Suárez bid farewell to his international career with Uruguay. The 37-year-old led the Celestes for the entire 85 minutes, but he was unable to seal the victory as the match finished in a draw. Despite this, Uruguay is still in second place in the standings, two points behind leaders Argentina after seven games, with eleven more to play.
Suárez now has other things to prioritise, like finishing the Major League Soccer season with Inter Miami on a good note in 2024.
In addition to other former national team legends, the striker received a warm reception from the home crowd at Centenario Stadium. “El Pistolero” shared pictures and a message on social media, stating, “After a few days I can now write to thank you for the beautiful moment experienced on Friday, unique and special to be able to experience it with my family.”
“Being surrounded by my loved ones—those who saw me grow up and those who truly knew the human Luis—was the nicest farewell I could have had. I want to express my gratitude to everyone in Uruguay for their love. Even though I no longer play for Uruguay, I will always be a supporter.
After 143 games for Uruguay—of whom he is the all-time top scorer with 69 goals—he announces his retirement from international football.
In the eighth game of the Conmebol qualifiers, Marcelo Bielsa’s team will visit Venezuela on Tuesday; however, Suárez will now have to watch his nation from a distance. The sky-blue team’s objective is to maintain the lead as close as feasible by defeating the Venezuelans and hoping that Colombia can steal points from Argentina.
Prior to Friday’s match, ESPN disclosed that Suárez’s decision to conclude his international career was largely influenced by a chat he had with Marcelo Bielsa. During that conversation, the Inter Miami striker expressed his wish to play until the end of the season because of Darwin Núñez’s suspension, but the Argentine coach could not ensure he would be called up again.
Ultimately, the seasoned coach stated the following in the press conference following Uruguay’s and Paraguay’s draw: “It is a personal decision, totally understandable and I cannot make any assessment.” Indeed, a wonderful honour for a player and legend who will live on in the annals of football, particularly in Uruguayan football.
