This Friday, 37-year-old Luis Suárez will play his 143rd and final match for the Uruguay national team, ending an illustrious career in which he became the all-time top scorer for La Celeste with 69 goals. Suárez, visibly emotional, made the announcement during a tearful press conference at Montevideo's Centenario Stadium.

"Friday will be my last match with the national team. It’s something I’ve been thinking about and analyzing. The time is right," Suárez said, referring to Uruguay's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on the seventh matchday of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

He added that he would approach his farewell match with the same enthusiasm and passion as he did in his first game back in February 2007. 

"I leave with the peace of mind that I gave everything for the national team until Friday. I have no regrets," said Suárez, who played in four World Cups, won the Copa América in 2011, and was named the tournament's best player.

Suárez also expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support over the years, noting that they understood the effort he always put into representing Uruguay.

He clarified that he will not be available for the eighth-round qualifier against Venezuela. "Retiring on my terms, not because of injuries or being left out, is something that gives me a lot of comfort," said the former Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Nacional star.

As for his farewell, Suárez hopes it will be an "unforgettable" match for him, his family, and the fans in the stadium. "I’m hoping for a great celebration and a win for Uruguay because it’s still a World Cup qualifier for three points, and we need to take it seriously," Suárez concluded.