Luis Suarez received a special gift from his Uruguay team-mates ahead of the Inter Miami star’s final game for the national team.
In a poignant moment before kickoff, Suarez was handed a special gift as a token of appreciation for his contributions to the national team over the years. The prolific striker opened the wrapping to find a laminated poster of him in the famed No. 9 jersey with a caption that read: “Unico de Inigualable” (Unique and unmatched).
Meanwhile, fans in the stands unfurled a massive tifo that read “Luis Eternal,” a testament to the striker’s enduring legacy in Uruguayan football. Throughout the match, supporters chanted his name, celebrating his legendary career with the Sky Blues.
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Suarez’s final appearance for the national team took place at the historic Estadio Centenario, a fitting venue for his farewell, the stadium which hosted the first-ever FIFA World Cup final in 1930.
The match itself was a hard-fought affair, with both Uruguay and Paraguay vying for points in the World Cup qualification campaign. Suarez came closest to scoring in the first half when he connected with a cross from Facundo Pellistri, but his right-footed volley struck the post, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats. He finished with 143 appearances for Uruguay, scoring an impressive 69 goals—making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
After the final whistle, the celebrations surrounding Suarez continued as fans remained in the stadium to honour their hero. The post-match tribute was an emotional affair, with Suarez’s family joining him on the field to take part in the celebration of his illustrious career. Former Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez, who coached the forward for much of his international career, was present alongside other legendary figures in Uruguayan football, including Diego Lugano, Diego Forlan, and Diego Godín.
The tribute also featured video messages from some of Suarez’s closest footballing friends and colleagues, including Lionel Messi and Neymar their messages appeared on the big screen at Estadio Centenario, adding to the emotional atmosphere as they praised Suarez for his outstanding achievements and his impact on the game.
