Luis Suarez has officially retired from international football. The former Barcelona star made the revelation during a press conference, marking the end of a remarkable career with the Uruguayan national team.
Suarez, 37, has been a key figure for Uruguay since his debut in 2007, earning 142 caps and scoring 69 goals—making him the nation’s all-time top scorer.
He played in four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and helped Uruguay win the 2011 Copa America, cementing his status as one of the country’s greatest-ever players.
“Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” an emotional Suarez told a press conference (h/t Reuters).
“The fact that is my decision 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,” Suarez said.
“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.
Regarded as one of the best South American footballers in the 21st century, Suarez has a lasting legacy at Barcelona as well.
During his six-year spell in Catalonia, the Uruguayan had netted almost 200 goals in just 283 competitive matches. He was also a part of the revered attacking trio that was known as ‘MSN’, alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar.
While he steps away from the international scene, Suarez continues his club career at Inter Miami, where he is playing alongside some of his former Barcelona teammates including Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.