Luis Suarez bids a tearful farewell to international football – as Uruguay’s all-time record goalscorer bows out after earning his 143rd cap in a 0-0 draw with Paraguay

An emotional Luis Suarez was honoured by his Uruguay team-mates as he made his 143rd, and final, international appearance on Friday. 

In a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay at the Estadio Centenario, Suarez led the line and wore the captain’s armband for Marcelo Bielsa‘s side as they were held to a goalless draw.

Suarez is Uruguay’s all-time record goalscorer, with his record of 69 in 143 appearances leaving him well-clear of former Man United forward Edinson Cavani in second place.

After the full-time whistle was blown, his team-mates lined up to applaud the 37-year-old, and a plaque was unveiled inside the stadium in his honour.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker then posed with his wife and three children, with the latter sporting Uruguay shirts with adorned with the phrase ‘Gracias Papa’.

Luis Suarez has stepped away from international football as Uruguay’s all-time record goalscorer

Suarez played his final game for La Celeste in a 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Friday

37-year-old couldn’t hide his emotions after captaining his country for a final time on Friday

Suarez was honoured by his team-mates after the game, with a plaque unveiled in Uruguay’s national stadium in his honour

Suarez announced earlier this week that Friday’s clash would be his final for La Celeste, explaining that he wanted to step aside on his own terms.

‘I leave with the peace of mind that I gave everything for the national team until Friday,’ Suarez said earlier this week.

‘I have no regrets. There is no better pride in oneself than knowing when the right moment to retire is and luckily I am confident that I am retiring from the national team because I want to take a step aside,’ said Suarez.

‘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. It is very helpful 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.’

Suarez’s decision led to tributes pouring in from across the football world, with his Inter Miami team-mate Lionel Messi writing on Instagram: ‘You’re unique, Luis Suarez. On and off the court. I love you so much.’

The former Liverpool striker was joined on the pitch by his three children prior to kick-off

Fans at the Estadio Centenario showed their appreciation for Suarez with home-made banners

Darwin Nunez has played alongside Suarez in the national side since making his Uruguay debut in 2019.

The Liverpool forward called Suarez his ‘idol’ in a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday.

‘Thank you from the heart for everything you did for me in the national team, you were my idol without knowing you and you are even more so now that I know you.

‘As you said, you came as a child and leave as a legend, it’s everyone’s dream and you fulfilled it.’