After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team…
It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come. I swear I always gave everything—not just during these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
There isn’t much time left, and chapters are starting to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give. And besides, there are some very talented young players coming through who deserve to be there.
Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from inside the team very much. Now I’m going to be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside (in the good times and the bad, even more so).
Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I had the chance to share this experience with. I’m taking with me unforgettable memories and moments.
I leave with the peace of mind and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, I gave you moments you could only dream of. It was crazy to have lived all of this with you. I love you!
Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.
Let’s go, Argentina!
I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am more convinced than ever.
