Yeah... honestly, I don't know what to say right here.
There are so many mixed emotions, and so many things are running through my head. But of course, the first thing that comes to mind is my father.
I can only feel gratitude.
As I wrote in the letter announcing my retirement from the national team, fighting for this jersey for over 20 years has been a truly immense pride for me.
During our hardest times, and even during my own personal struggles, I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving everything, and never let go of the desire to be here as part of the national team.
Not being able to come back to the national team anymore will be a huge pain.
Truly, if I could, I would want to play for the national team forever.
Because playing for Argentina is the most wonderful thing that could ever happen. It really is the best thing.
So I want to stay here forever, but I also think now is the time.
What I experienced at the last World Cup was too much.
We tried to fulfill the dream of becoming world champions again—a dream that was both mine and the nation's.
Dale Campeón!
At the last World Cup, we were really just a little bit short.
And none of those strange things people said actually happened.
We gave it all.
The match against England was physically and mentally exhausting for us, so we barely made it to the final.
We fought until the end as always, just like every time we put on this jersey, together with all the teammates who have shared this journey with me.
Not just those here today or those who were there when we became champions, but everyone before them too, we all fought together in the same way.
But unfortunately, we couldn't become champions. We were close then too.
But I don't want anyone to doubt that undoubtedly, every teammate who has ever fought alongside me has always given everything for this jersey.
Always.
And I want to thank my teammates.
Of course, those gathered here today, those who have spent so much time with me, those who helped fulfill childhood dreams, winning the World Cup, Copa América, Finalissima, and fighting through every possible match together.
Being able to spend time with everyone on the pitch and off it has been a true pride for me.
When going out to play, I felt like I could fight any opponent.
Because I knew that beside me were warriors ready to risk their lives.
I probably forgot a lot of what I wanted to say to everyone.
But it's really hard for me...
I think I will miss playing here.
Fortunately, I got to travel around the country. I had opportunities to play in various places across the nation.
And I always received great love from the people from start to finish.
So I am truly grateful for everything I experienced.
Wherever I went, whatever the match.
In the World Cup, in Copa América, I am truly grateful that everyone made such efforts to come everywhere and fill the stadiums.
We understand how difficult it is in many ways to go to the World Cup, go to Copa América, and cheer in those stadiums.
That's why wherever we went, we always felt at home.
And we always felt that.
And in this place, I experienced one of the happiest days of my career.
It was when we played our first match after the World Cup.
What I experienced that day, I will never forget.
It was the best event for me. Truly the best.
Even now, when I see footage of that day, emotions well up.
I think that day will remain etched in memory forever for me, for all of them, for all of us, and for my family.
It was the best. So, thank you truly.
And today, in this place, I believe I am facing one of the saddest days of my career.
Saying goodbye to the national team, saying goodbye to everyone.
I will be lonely. I think I will miss wearing the national jersey and fighting for this country.
But from now on, I will support these players, and all future players joining the national team, from the same side as you all.
Always, united together.
When we are united, we are stronger than anyone and can overcome anything.
I think that has been proven enough.
Difficult times will surely come, because what we achieved recently is not ordinary.
But especially in those tough times, we must stand by each other and support each other more than ever.
I always tell them this, and I conveyed it in my last speech too:
To achieve big goals, you must build a strong group and unite.
Because there are people who wish for this national team to fail.
So we shouldn't please those people.
In tough times, in difficult times.
That's when the strength of the group is truly tested, and whether we can emerge from it becomes visible.
Without a strong group, achieving anything is really difficult.
And I can say clearly that we were a truly wonderful group.
That's why we achieved all this.
Yeah, I know. This is probably the most I've ever spoken.
Honestly, I don't want to leave here.
I don't want to leave this pitch.
I just want to say: I love you all, I will miss you.
And as I said earlier, I am truly grateful to God.
For being born Argentine.
I am proud to be Argentine and to have fulfilled dreams together with everyone.
Thank you truly.
I love you all.
Original speech video here
