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.”
