Uruguay Striker Luis Suarez Announces Retirement From International Football

Uruguay striker, Luis Suarez, announced his international retirement on Monday, ending a 17-year career with his national team as their top scorer with 69 goals.

Suarez, with 142 international caps to his name, made his debut for his country in 2007. He played a pivotal role in the team that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and went on to win the Copa America the following year.

“Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” an emotional Suarez told a press conference.

“The fact that I decide to retire and that I’m not retired because of injuries or that they stop calling me for one thing or another gives me a lot of comfort; it helps me individually.

“It’s difficult, but it gives me peace of mind that until the last game, I have given my all, and that flame has not been extinguished little by little,” the striker added.

On Friday, Uruguay will face Paraguay at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo as part of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, followed by a match against Venezuela four days later.

Suarez scored the stoppage-time goal against Canada that secured third place at the Copa America in July and the striker added that one of his aims was to show he could continue to contribute to the national team.

“My dream was for my children to see me win something important with the national team… that last goal was very nice for them and even though it wasn’t a trophy to take home, it was very nice for them,” he said.

“I wanted to show people again that I can continue to contribute to the national team and, well, I had the Copa America, and yes, I could have done it (retired) perfectly after that, but having analyzed the situation, I want to do it with my people, in my stadium.

“I want my children to live this experience. Saying goodbye with the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done.”

Suárez joined the talented Inter Miami squad, which includes Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, ahead of the 2024 MLS season and has been excelling for the Supporters’ Shield leaders

In Miami’s most recent match, a 4-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC, he scored twice, bringing his season total to 16 goals.