Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez received a hero's send-off in his final appearance for the national team on Friday night.
The Inter Miami CF striker played his last match at the iconic Estadio Centenario when Uruguay drew 0-0 with Paraguay in a Conmebol World Cup qualifier.
Suarez, 37, concluded his international career with 143 appearances and 69 goals, cementing his status as Uruguay's all-time leading scorer.
Before kick-off, the fans displayed a huge banner that read “Luis Eterno” and applauded the sky-blue legend throughout the match.
9️⃣ 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Thank you for being Uruguayan, Luis.#WeAreFootball photo.twitter.com/t9XX8tAd3h
— AUF (@AUFOficial) September 7, 2024
After the final whistle, the fans waited to give Suárez a proper farewell.
Former Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez and former captains Diego Lugano, Diego Forlan and Diego Godin were among those present to celebrate Suarez and his family in an emotional post-match ceremony.
During the tribute, key figures in Suárez's career, including Lionel Messi and Neymar, appeared on the screen at the Centenario Stadium to send their farewell wishes.
Uruguay had several chances to score against Paraguay, the most notable being a right-footed volley in the first half by Suárez that hit the post after a cross from Facundo Pellistri.
Uruguay remains second in the World Cup standings with 14 points, four behind leaders Argentina. It will face Venezuela on Tuesday, while Paraguay will face Brazil.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
