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 only during these last few years when we won everything, but before that as well. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football.
There isn’t much time left, and chapters are coming to an end, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, I have loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more to give. And besides, there are some very talented young players coming through who deserve to be there.
Thank you for all the love you have given me over these 20 years. I am going to miss hearing you from inside the stadium so much. Now I will be one of you, supporting and cheering from the outside—through the good times and the bad, even more so.
Thank you to my family for always being there and for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and official I had the chance to share this journey with. I am taking with me unforgettable memories and moments.
I leave with the peace and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, we gave you moments you could only dream of. It was crazy to have lived it all with you. I love you!
Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.
Come on, Argentina!
I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever.
