MONTEVIDEO - Paraguay held Uruguay to a goalless draw in their South American World Cup qualifier on Friday, with striker Luis Suarez bringing his 17-year international career to an end at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo.

Reaching 143 appearances for Uruguay, Suarez, a cornerstone of the national team since 2007 and its all-time leading scorer with 69 goals, was given the captain's armband by manager Marcelo Bielsa for his last match.

And the Inter Miami star came close to making his final appearance a memorable one, striking a stunning volley in the 18th minute that ricocheted off the post.

Suarez played the full 90 minutes and received a prolonged standing ovation after the final whistle as each of his 69 Uruguay goals was shown on the venue's two giant screens.

There was also a moving video message from his good friend and Inter Miami teammate Lionel Messi that almost brought Suarez to tears as he watched on from the center of the pitch surrounded by his family.

Among the 60,000 people present at the stadium were former Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez and ex-teammates Diego Godin, Diego Forlan and Diego Lugano.

Bielsa's side, who finished third in the Copa America, played without five players from their starting line-up, including Darwin Nunez, who were suspended for their involvement in clashes with fans following the defeat to Colombia in the continental showpiece in July.

Uruguay wasted several chances, most notably a first-half right-footed volley from Suarez that struck the post after Facundo Pellistri's cross.

Paraguay also created clear-cut opportunities, with Miguel Almiron coming closest only to be denied by goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, but neither side managed to capitalize.

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Uruguay remain second in the World Cup qualifying standings on 14 points, four behind leaders Argentina. They face Venezuela on Tuesday, while Paraguay take on Brazil.

With Xinhua inputs