Luis Suarez looks set to miss out on one final World Cup appearance after reports in Uruguay claimed Marcelo Bielsa has left the veteran striker out of his provisional squad.
The 39-year-old initially retired from international football in September 2024 after scoring a record 69 goals in 143 appearances for Uruguay national football team.
He represented his country at four World Cups and played a central role in one of the most successful periods in Uruguay's modern history.
Yet the former Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker had recently hinted that he would be willing to return if called upon.
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Earlier this month, Suarez said he "would never say no" to another opportunity to represent his country.
"I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up," he said.
"At the time, I stepped aside to make way for the younger generation."
Luis Suarez is Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer but won't be involved in this summer's World Cup
|GETTY
Now, according to journalist Rodri Vazquez, the Inter Miami star has not been included in Uruguay's expanded 55-man longlist for this summer's tournament.
If confirmed, the decision would bring an end to any hopes of the 39-year-old adding to his extraordinary international career.
Just weeks after retiring, Suarez had publicly criticised Bielsa and claimed the Argentine's management style had caused divisions within the squad.
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The full line-up for the World Cup group stage | GBNEWSHe said some players had considered walking away and urged supporters not to direct blame at the team if results turned sour.
Suarez also later acknowledged that some of his remarks had gone too far.
"I said something I shouldn't have said," he admitted. "I have already apologised to those I needed to apologise to."
Despite opening the door to a possible comeback, it now appears Bielsa is prepared to move forward without one of Uruguay's greatest-ever players.
Suarez is currently playing for Inter Miami alongside former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.
Although no longer in his prime, the striker remains a prolific and fiercely competitive presence.
Luis Suarez currently plays for Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi
|GETTY
"You realise you still have a little bit of life left in you," Suarez said recently.
"You still get angry about the losses and the bad passes, and you still enjoy it when you score goals."
Uruguay are due to begin their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia national football team in Miami on June 15.
They will also face Cape Verde national football team and Spain national football team in Group H.