Uruguay’s legendary striker Luis Suárez bid an emotional farewell to international football on September 6, 2024, as his team drew 0-0 with Paraguay in a World Cup 2026 qualifying match. The 37-year-old Suárez, Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 143 appearances, was honored with a special ceremony at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo.The farewell was marked by touching tributes from fans, teammates, and fellow football stars. Uruguayan supporters displayed large banners bearing Suárez’s name and jersey number, while also presenting him with a commemorative gift that included the Copa America trophy he won with Uruguay in 2011. Messages of support from football icons Lionel Messi and Neymar were displayed on the stadium’s screen, adding to the emotional atmosphere.An visibly moved Suárez addressed the crowd after the match, saying, ‘I have only words of gratitude to all Uruguayans, who since my career began supported me, not only me, but a generation that had a very difficult time.’ He added, ‘Uruguay is bigger than any coach or player,’ acknowledging the challenges and honor of representing his country.On the pitch, Uruguay had several chances to secure a victory, including a Suárez volley that struck the post, but were unable to break the deadlock. The draw keeps Uruguay in second place in the World Cup qualifying standings with 14 points, four behind leaders Argentina.Meanwhile, Brazil ended their four-match winless streak with a crucial 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Curitiba. Real Madrid forward Rodrygo scored the winning goal in the 30th minute, helping Brazil climb to fourth place in the qualifying standings with 10 points. Brazil’s coach commented on the win, saying, ‘Brazil has turned the corner in this qualifying phase,’ although the team’s performance was described as unconvincing by some observers.The results of these matches have further tightened the race for World Cup qualification in South America, with Argentina leading on 18 points, followed by Uruguay (14), Colombia (13), and Brazil (10).
Key points
- Luis Suárez played his final international match for Uruguay, drawing 0-0 with Paraguay.
- Suárez received emotional tributes from fans, teammates, and fellow players like Messi and Neymar.
- Brazil ended their four-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, thanks to Rodrygo’s goal.
- The results have tightened the race for World Cup qualification in South America.
Contradictions👾Some sources report Suárez played 143 matches for Uruguay, while others state 142 or 144.
The correct number appears to be 143, as this is mentioned more frequently and in more recent articles.
