Luis Suarez, the renowned Uruguayan striker, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 37. His decision marks the end of an illustrious 17-year career with the Uruguay national team, where he played his last match against Paraguay in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on September 6, 2024. Suarez, who debuted for Uruguay in 2007, retires as the country’s all-time leading scorer with an impressive tally of 69 goals in 142 appearances.
Throughout his international career, Suarez was a pivotal figure for Uruguay, contributing significantly to their success in various tournaments.
Notably, he was instrumental in Uruguay’s victory at the 2011 Copa América, where he was named the tournament’s best player. His career was also marked by memorable moments in World Cups, including controversial incidents like the handball against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup and a biting incident in 2014, which led to a ban from international football.
Despite these controversies, Suarez’s legacy with Uruguay is defined by his goal-scoring prowess and his contributions to the team’s achievements, including reaching the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup. His decision to retire was described as being on his own terms, reflecting his desire to step away while still capable of contributing significantly, rather than being forced out by age or injury.
Following his retirement from international duty, Suarez continues his club career with Inter Miami in the MLS, where he has been performing admirably, scoring 16 goals in the 2024 season and leading the team alongside former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi. His contract with Inter Miami is set to continue through the end of the 2024 MLS season.
The announcement of his retirement was met with emotional responses from fans and within the football community, celebrating his contributions to Uruguayan football and his place among the greatest strikers of his generation
