Nicolás Otamendi played his last match with the Argentina national team and he posted on his Instagram page about his retirement and Lionel Messi retiring from the Argentina national team.
Otamendi and Lionel Messi both scored for Argentina in the 3-0 win against Benin, in both of their farewell games. After the match, Otamendi posted a message on his Instagram page. Here is what he had to say:
“Today, we bring this chapter to an end together as players of this great Argentina National Team.
“It’s hard to put into words everything this moment means. Wearing this shirt was, is, and always will be one of the greatest sources of pride in my life. Every training session, every match, every trip, every hug, and every time I heard the anthem will remain in my memory forever.
“And if this day was already special, sharing it with Leo Messi makes it even more unforgettable. The greatest player of all time, the one who taught us to never stop believing, to get back up after every setback, and to defend this shirt with our hearts.
“What a privilege it has been to share part of this journey and to witness a story that will live forever in football and in the hearts of all Argentines.
“Today we close a chapter, but everything we experienced will remain forever. I leave with pride, gratitude, and the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I had the honor of representing my country.
“Thank you, Argentina, for everything. Thank you for making me feel this pride of wearing the sky blue and white.
“A shirt for a lifetime.”
Please come back Lionel! At least play the finalissima!
https://youtu.be/78ew8WjSXY8?is=GsZ1deegFg53q8h5
Opinion? Both parents are argentines, maybe the new Paz.
I posted about this kid and Sassuolo’s right-back Simone Cinquegrano a couple of months ago. Both players have big potential. The AFA should secure their services ASAP.
Yes but we are so stacked in these creative positions: Paz, Aranda, Echeverri, Montoro, Almada even Flores, Soule or Prestianni can play there. Galassi from Lazio is another option for U20 NT. But our youth coaching staff and Scaloni have very good eyes for young prospects, time proved their choices and non choiches. So if they would let this kid go theres hard reasons behind.
“But our youth coaching staff and Scaloni have very good eyes for young prospects”
Agreed. They have good eyes for the young prospects, especially the Europibes. The interest and the contact is always there, but what Scaloni should do better is to give them minutes and allow them to showcase what they are capable of.
BTW, the Spanish federation is trying hard to convince Carlos Diez to represent them at the senior level.
Seriously, in the midfield, it’s real ’embarras de richesse’ now. But I think modern coaches feel compelled to find a way and not to sacrifice their best ones sitting.
…………………………….Dibu……………………..
………………….Romero……..Lisandro
Giay…………………………………………………….Vega
…………………Palacios…..Enzo/Barco
Soule……………………Paz………………….Prestianni
……………….Lautaro…………..Flores
Flores like once Claudio Lopez along Batistuta or rather as link between LW and attack. I don’t think to sacrifice one of Prestianni/Flores is good idea. To that they both switch sides in their clubs.
Mastantuono is Soule contender. But in my humble opinion Soule is just better, more versatile, predictable and generally consistent. Still Scaloni will probably use MacAllister deeper somewhere there, which I don’t like though. Palacios and Barco (orEqui) over Enzo and MacAllister.
Otamendi is truly a real friend of Messi and gave everything for Messi and the national team.
You were incredible throughout the 2022 World Cup. Thank you for your service to the national team. You’ll always be part of that unforgettable World Cup story!
Yes For sure
ota is a warrior. he has been our backbone since masche left.
Quoiqu’on puisse dire Otamendi fut un vrai combattant pour cette équipe. Même s’il a souvent commis des erreurs il s’est toujours battu et s’est bonifié avec l’âge. Gracias OTA!