Luis Suarez’s 17-year international career with Uruguay came to an end in a goalless draw against Paraguay during a South American World Cup qualifier.
The 37-year-old striker announced his retirement from international football earlier in the week.
Suarez concludes his Uruguay career as the nation’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 69 goals in 143 appearances since his debut against Colombia in February 2007.
Before the match, Suarez and his family were honored in a pre-game ceremony, featuring tributes from fans and a video message from Argentina legend and Inter Miami teammate, Lionel Messi.
“Uruguay is bigger than any player. Starting tomorrow I will be another fan,” he told the crowd.
Uruguay dominated possession with 65%, but struggled to break down a resilient Paraguay defense in a scrappy World Cup qualifier that saw 24 fouls and six yellow cards, including one for Luis Suarez.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker had Uruguay’s best chance, but his first-half effort struck the post.
Paraguay’s standout opportunity came from Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron, whose shot was saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.
Uruguay were missing five key players, including Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur, who were suspended following a clash with fans after their Copa America defeat to Colombia in July.
The draw keeps Uruguay second in the qualifying table, four points behind leaders Argentina.
Elsewhere, Brazil revived their World Cup qualifying hopes with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, thanks to a goal from Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. The win moves Brazil from sixth to fourth in the standings, with the top six guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Teenage winger Estevao Willian, set to join Chelsea when he turns 18 next year, made his debut as a second-half substitute.
In Lima, third-placed Colombia secured a 1-1 draw against Peru with a late equalizer from Liverpool’s Luis Diaz. Alexander Callens had given Peru the lead in the 68th minute, but Diaz leveled the score with a header eight minutes from time.