Football

Luis Suarez, the legendary Uruguayan striker, bid farewell to international football on Friday, September 6, 2024, as his team played to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Paraguay in South American 2026 World Cup qualifying.Suarez, 37, had announced his retirement from international duty on Monday, September 2, 2024, after a glittering 17-year career for Uruguay. He finished as the country's top scorer with 69 goals from 143 appearances.However, the former Barcelona and Liverpool star, who now plays in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, was unable to add a 70th goal to his international tally in his farewell game at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.Despite enjoying 65% possession, Uruguay were unable to find a way through a dogged Paraguay defense in a disjointed match littered with 24 fouls. Suarez, whose career at international and club level was marred by controversies such as his ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, was one of four Uruguay players to be shown a yellow card in a fractious encounter.The result leaves Uruguay in second place in South America's 10-team round-robin qualifying tournament with 14 points from seven games, four points behind leaders Argentina. Colombia can leapfrog over Uruguay with a victory over Peru in Lima later Friday.The top six teams in the South America standings qualify automatically for the 2026 finals in North America with the seventh-placed team advancing to a playoff.

Luis Suarez, the legendary Uruguayan striker, has announced his retirement from international football. The 37-year-old, who is Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals, will bid farewell to the national team after the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on September 6, 2024.Suarez's decision comes after a remarkable career with the Celeste, spanning 142 appearances and four World Cups. He played a pivotal role in Uruguay's 2011 Copa America triumph, scoring four goals in the tournament."Friday, it's hard to even say it, will be my last game with my country's national team," Suarez said. "But it's something that I'd been thinking about, analyzing. I think it's the right moment because I have my reasons."Suarez's departure marks the end of an era for Uruguayan football. He has been a talismanic figure for the team, inspiring a generation of players. His goalscoring prowess and unwavering determination have made him a fan favorite both at home and abroad.In his debut MLS campaign with Inter Miami, Suarez has continued to showcase his predatory instincts, scoring 16 goals in 20 matches. His performances have helped the team climb the standings and challenge for a playoff spot.Suarez's retirement from international football will allow him to focus on his club career and spend more time with his family. However, his legacy with the Celeste will live on for generations to come. He will be remembered as one of the greatest players in Uruguayan history, a true icon of the game.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Florida with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suarez. The trio has been spotted on a boat, soaking up the sun and sharing smiles for the camera.Messi's vacation comes after Argentina's triumph at the Copa America 2024, where he played a pivotal role in securing the team's third consecutive major title. However, the 37-year-old is still recovering from a right ankle injury sustained during the final match against Colombia.Due to the injury, Messi will miss Wednesday's Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, along with Suarez, who is experiencing knee discomfort. The MLS roster for the match against Mexico's Liga MX All-Stars has been updated to reflect their absence.Inter Miami has provided details on the injuries, stating that Messi is still sidelined after missing two MLS matches last week. Suarez, who recently returned from international duty, will also sit out the All-Star Game due to knee discomfort.This would have been Messi's first MLS All-Star appearance since joining Inter Miami last July. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been instrumental in Miami's success, leading them to the inaugural Leagues Cup crown last year.However, Messi and Suarez's availability for Saturday's home match against Mexico's Puebla remains uncertain. Inter Miami has stated that their status will be determined by their "daily recovery process."Despite the injuries, Messi remains a key figure for Inter Miami and Argentina. His presence on the field has been a major boost for both teams, and fans eagerly await his return to action.

Uruguay's Copa America campaign ended in controversy and violence as players clashed with fans following a 1-0 semifinal loss to Colombia. The incident occurred after a physical and emotional match that saw seven yellow cards and one red card.As players exchanged words and shoves at midfield, Uruguay's Darwin Núñez noticed an altercation behind the team's bench. About a dozen players climbed into the stands as the melee continued. Some players were seen throwing punches before Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officers and stadium security restored order after about 10 minutes.Uruguay striker Luis Suárez defended his teammates' actions, saying they were necessary to protect their families and supporters. "Obviously when one has your woman, your little child, your father, elderly people you want to go and see if they're OK," Suárez said. "Here these things, it's an image that no one wants to have created but obviously if someone is attacking your family you want to go and defend them."However, Suárez acknowledged that the incident was unacceptable. "But that doesn't justify the image that it created. We had to protect our families that were there."CONMEBOL, South American soccer's governing body, opened an investigation into the incident. "It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence," the statement said.Suárez said he saw family members and children in the crowd and worried about their safety. More than 70,000 fans attended the game, and at least 90% cheered for Colombia and wore their bright yellow colors."They were trapped and things were falling on them and you felt helpless," Suárez said.Uruguay's José María Giménez called the situation a "disaster." "Our family is in danger," Giménez told Fox. "We had to get on top of the stands ASAP to rescue our loved ones with babies. ... It's a disaster because all of the matches are the same. Our families are in danger because of some who drink one or two shots of alcohol that don't know to drink and behave like children."Stadium seating choices for families and friends of players were arranged by Uruguayan soccer's governing body. More protected luxury suites were an option. The Uruguayan soccer association has not made a public statement on the fight.CONMEBOL has not said if any Uruguay players face suspension for entering the stands or throwing punches at Colombia fans. The governing body released a statement after the game saying it condemns any act of violence and that "we invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all of their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party."The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department has not said whether arrests were made, and stadium officials have not commented publicly.

Inter Miami's resilience was on full display as they overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer. Luis Suarez continued his impressive scoring form, netting his 11th league goal of the season.Montreal seized the early initiative, with Bryce Duke capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give them the lead. Jules-Anthony Vilsaint doubled their advantage with a composed finish. However, Miami refused to be deterred. Matias Rojas converted a free-kick in the absence of Lionel Messi, who had briefly left the field for treatment. Suarez then leveled the score just before halftime, bundling the ball home from close range.After the break, Miami emerged as a transformed team. Rojas's exquisite pass over the Montreal defense found Benjamin Cremaschi, who slotted home the winning goal. Despite late pressure from Montreal, Miami held firm to secure their eighth win in 13 games.In the Ohio derby, FC Cincinnati avenged their Eastern Conference final loss to Columbus Crew with a 2-1 victory. Luciano Acosta starred for Cincy, scoring both goals. Maximilian Arfsten's late strike proved to be a consolation for Columbus.Christian Benteke's hat-trick of headers propelled D.C. United to a 3-2 triumph over Atlanta. Luis Muriel's brace inspired Orlando City to a 3-2 win at Philadelphia Union. Joao Klauss scored twice as St. Louis defeated Chicago Fire 3-1 in the derby. Dallas edged Austin 2-1 in the Texas derby.

Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi unleashed an unstoppable attacking force on Saturday, leading Inter Miami to a resounding 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Suarez's hat-trick and Messi's record-breaking five assists propelled Inter to a dominant second-half performance, avenging their earlier defeat to the Red Bulls.After a lackluster first half, Inter's fortunes turned dramatically with the introduction of Matias Rojas. The Paraguayan substitute ignited the rout with a stunning goal just three minutes into the second half. Messi then took control, orchestrating Inter's attack with his trademark precision.Messi's five assists, a new MLS record, showcased his unparalleled vision and passing ability. He repeatedly found Suarez in dangerous positions, allowing the Uruguayan to showcase his clinical finishing. Suarez's hat-trick brought his season tally to 10 goals in 11 games, proving that his predatory instincts remain sharp despite his advancing age.Messi's influence extended beyond his assists. His telepathic understanding with Suarez, honed during their time together at Barcelona, allowed them to create scoring opportunities with ease. The Argentine maestro's through balls and incisive passes sliced through the Red Bulls defense, leaving them helpless.Inter's victory was a testament to the star power of Messi and Suarez. Their partnership, once feared by opponents around the world, has been rekindled in Miami, bringing joy to the club's fans and sending shockwaves through the MLS.

Inter Miami's star-studded duo, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, once again proved their dominance as they led their team to a resounding 3-1 victory over Nashville in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16. The win secured a 5-3 aggregate triumph for the hosts in Florida.Suarez opened the scoring early on, capitalizing on a clever pass from Jordi Alba and a sensational through ball from Messi. The Argentine maestro doubled the lead 15 minutes later, receiving a pass from Diego Gomez and firing it home with precision.Inter Miami maintained their 2-0 advantage at halftime, and Robert Taylor extended their lead in the 63rd minute. Messi, who was substituted in the 50th minute, had already made his mark on the game.Nashville's consolation goal came in stoppage time through Sam Surridge, but it was too little, too late. The visitors had held Inter Miami to a 2-2 draw in the first leg, but the second leg proved to be a one-sided affair.Despite Messi's absence in the second half, Nashville struggled to create clear-cut chances. Drake Callender made a crucial save to deny Lukas MacNaughton, while Hany Mukhtar had a goal disallowed for offside.This was the fourth time Nashville had faced Messi since his arrival at Inter Miami. They had previously played to three draws, including a 10-9 penalty shootout victory for Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup final. Messi scored early in regulation and converted the first penalty kick in that match, helping Miami secure their first trophy.

Inter Miami's star-studded trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets played a pivotal role in their hard-fought 2-2 draw against Nashville FC in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 clash.Nashville dominated the first half, with Jacob Shaffelburg scoring a brace in the 4th and 46th minutes. However, Miami's fortunes changed in the second half as Messi and Suarez showcased their brilliance.In the 52nd minute, Suarez set up Messi just outside the Nashville box. The Argentine maestro used his trademark left foot to curl the ball past the goalkeeper, marking his first-ever CONCACAF goal.As the match entered injury time, Busquets delivered a pinpoint cross to Suarez, who headed home the equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time.Despite Nashville's strong start, Miami controlled the ball for much of the second half. However, coach Tata Martino acknowledged that his team's lack of intensity in the opening minutes of each half could have cost them the game.Nashville coach Gary Smith praised the intelligence and skill of Messi, Busquets, and Suarez, saying, "It's a completely different level of intelligence from the likes of Lionel Messi and Busquets and Suárez. Completely different level."The second leg of the tie will be played in Miami on March 15th, with Inter Miami needing a win or a draw with more than two goals to advance to the quarterfinals.

Inter Miami's star-studded lineup put on a dominant performance, crushing Orlando City 5-0 in their MLS encounter on Sunday. The match, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, showcased the brilliance of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who combined for four goals.Suarez opened the scoring with a sensational brace in the opening 11 minutes. His first goal came from a deflected shot off the crossbar, while his second was a clinical finish from close range. Robert Taylor extended Miami's lead to 3-0 in the 29th minute.The second half belonged to Messi, who mesmerized the crowd with two stunning goals in a six-minute span. His first goal was a fortunate deflection off the post, while his second was a towering header assisted by Suarez.Despite the impressive performance, Messi's night was marred by an unfortunate incident. After his brace, he attempted a free-kick that went wide and struck a baby girl in the stands. The incident left the toddler in tears.Speaking after the match, Messi expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance. "We're doing well, we're enjoying it, we're growing," he said. "Today was an important match to win, to continue on this path of growth and this has to make us very strong for everything that's to come."Inter Miami's victory was a testament to the quality of their squad. Suarez and Messi proved to be an unstoppable force, while the rest of the team provided solid support. The win keeps Miami in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.