The 2026 World Cup ended very badly for Argentina. Unable to offer any play in the final against Spain, the Albiceleste lost in overtime (0-1, ap). A terrible disappointment for Lionel Messi, who had shone throughout the competition (8 goals, 4 assists) but completely missed out on his match against La Roja.
Since then, rumors have been rife about the rest of his international career. Will the eight-time Ballon d’Or stop with the Seleccion? If the “Pulga” has not yet announced anything, one of its lieutenants has taken the lead. “Today I have to write the most difficult words of my entire career”wrote Nicolas Otamendi, who has 139 capes, Friday on his Instagram account.
“Since I was little, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team jersey. It’s the greatest privilege that football has given me. I defended him with my soul, with pride and with the responsibility of knowing what he represents for millions of Argentinesadded the 38-year-old defender.
As fate would have it, my last match was a World Cup final. »
An Argentinian legend says stop
“It’s not the result we were hoping for, but I leave with my head held high, convinced that this group fought until the last secondhe added. I leave the selection with the serenity of having given everything. I never spared the slightest effort, I never stopped believing in it and I never stopped considering this jersey as the greatest honor of my life. »
“Thank you to the Argentine people. Thank you for your unconditional love, for each flag, for each song, for accompanying us in the good times and, above all, in the most difficult. Thanks to you, every time the anthem sounded, we had the feeling that we were not eleven players, but millions defending the same dream.”continued the 2022 world champion.
“To those who wear this jersey today, I want to say one thing from the bottom of my heart: never stop believing. You will experience blows that seem impossible to overcome, but this jersey always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice and love. Keep your head up, keep fighting and never let defeat steal your dreams. I am convinced that the next chapter of our story will belong to you. »
And Nicolas Otamendi, who plays at River Plate, concludes:
“Today, I bid farewell to the Argentinian selection, but with immense pride to have represented my country. The titles remain in history, but the love for these colors lasts a lifetime. Thank you, Argentina. Thank you for allowing me to realize the dream of becoming world champion and wearing the most beautiful jersey in the world. »
