Luis Suarez Makes International Retirement Decision

Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez has announced his decision to call time on his international career after Uruguay take on Paraguay on Friday in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

His decision was made at a press conference on Monday in the lead-up to the game.

Suarez made his senior international bow for Uruguay on February 8, 2007 against Colombia and has never backed down.

The former Liverpool man retires as the all-time leading scorer for Uruguay with 69 goals, winning the 2011 Copa America to consolidate his international legacy.

Not only is Suarez a household name in Uruguayan and European football.

The 37-year-old is also renowned in Africa for his infamous goal line clearance with his hand against Ghana in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup, denying Africa a first semi-final berth at the time.

Suarez would go on to make three more World Cup appearances, with his last coming in the 2022 edition in Qatar as Uruguay were sent packing despite defeating Ghana 2-0 in their last group game.

“I am 37 years old and I know that it is very difficult to get to the next World Cup. It comforts me a lot that I can retire and not for my injuries to retire me, or to stop being called up,” he said

For me individually, it is very helpful for me to want to take that step aside and feel ready. It is difficult because the decision was not easy. But I go with the peace of mind that until the last game I gave my all, and that the flame did not burn out slowly and that is why I made the decision that it should be now,” he added.

Suarez made 142 caps for La Celeste across 17 years, leaving his mark as one of the most prolific international marksmen.