‘It was a privilege, little guy’: Otamendi’s emotional farewell message to Messi

Updated : 6 October 2026, 16:09

Agencies

PHOTO: REUTERS

“It was a privilege to be part of your story, little guy.” With those heartfelt words, Nicolas Otamendi marked the end of an extraordinary chapter with Argentina.

Following the 2026 World Cup, Otamendi’s international career is coming to an end, just as Lionel Messi prepares for his own farewell from the Albiceleste. The two veterans will share one final special occasion when Argentina face Benin in Messi’s farewell match, a celebration of the legendary captain’s international career, scheduled for 5:00 AM Bangladesh time on Wednesday.

But before that final goodbye, Otamendi had one last training session with the national team at the Ezeiza training complex -- and the emotions were impossible to hide.

As he looked across the familiar pitch, memories came flooding back: the early days, the difficult moments, the celebrations, the tears, the victories and the defeats that taught him to rise again.

“Today was my last training session wearing the Argentina national team jersey,” Otamendi wrote on social media. “And although I tried to experience it like any other day, I knew from the first moment that nothing would ever be the same again.”

Every corner of the training ground seemed to carry a story. Every glance felt like a farewell. For Otamendi, wearing Argentina’s colours had always meant far more than simply playing football.

“Representing my country was much more than a dream come true: it was one of the greatest honours of my life,” he wrote, thanking supporters for every song, flag, embrace and moment of unwavering support.

The defender leaves behind a career filled with unforgettable moments, carrying memories he says he will cherish forever and a pride that will never fade.

And as Messi prepares to take center stage one final time for Argentina, Otamendi will be there beside him—sharing the closing moments of an era they helped define together.