After all this time that has passed since the final, and after thinking about it deeply, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the national team…
It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts — deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment. I swear to you that I always gave everything, not only in these last years when we won it all, but also before. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
Time is running out and stages begin to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I emptied myself; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their place.
Thank you for all the affection over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I will be one of you, supporting and cheering from the outside (in good times and 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 staff member I had the chance to share this with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
I leave with the peace and pride of having given you — together with my teammates — dreamlike moments. It was crazy to live 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 even more convinced than before.
