Luis Suárez, the former Liverpool and Barcelona star who is now playing with Inter Miami in MLS, has announced his retirement from the Uruguay national team. This decision comes after his team’s World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday, marking the end of an illustrious international career that has spanned 17 years. Suárez leaves behind a legacy as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 142 games.
Suárez made his senior debut for Uruguay on Feb. 8, 2007, in a 3-1 victory against Colombia. From there, he quickly established himself as an integral part of the national squad. By 2010, Suárez had participated in 19 of the 20 World Cup qualifying matches, helping to secure a spot for La Celeste at the tournament in South Africa. It was during this World Cup that Suárez made headlines for his infamous handball in the quarterfinal against Ghana, a move that led to his ejection from the match. However, his gamble paid off as Ghana missed the ensuing penalty, allowing Uruguay to advance to the semifinals.
Throughout his international career, Suárez has featured in four World Cups and multiple Copa Américas. Notably, he scored the opening goal in the 2011 Copa América final, a match that set Uruguay on the path to its 15th major tournament triumph. Suárez’s performance in that tournament earned him the MVP award. His most recent appearance for the national team came in the 2024 Copa América match for third place against Canada, where he scored a crucial penalty in the shootout to secure victory.
In 2024, Suárez joined Inter Miami in MLS, where he has been a key player for the team. His contributions on the field have helped Inter Miami to the top of the table, with Suárez scoring 16 goals in the season so far. Most recently, he netted twice in a 4-1 victory against Chicago Fire FC, showcasing his continued skill and impact.
As Luis Suárez bids farewell to the Uruguay national team, he leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the country’s greatest footballers. His goal-scoring prowess, leadership on the field, and memorable performances in major tournaments have solidified his place in Uruguayan football history. While his retirement marks the end of an era for the national team, Suárez’s impact and contributions will be remembered for years to come.