Argentina's central defender Nicolás Otamendi expressed his satisfaction as the national team's recent friendly against Zambia went well, culminating in a 5-0 victory. According to the Argentine News Agency, the defender also defined his process with the Argentine national team, from which he will retire after the 2026 World Cup, as a 'long road' filled with many joys, where he always tried to have the best attitude. Additionally, the Benfica defender clarified that he has no information on whether Argentine star Lionel Messi will go to the World Cup, stating that 'it is his decision,' although they try to make him 'feel comfortable and happy.' In a match where he said goodbye to the Argentine public while wearing the national team jersey, with coach Lionel Scaloni substituting him in the second half for an ovation, and even with Messi's decision to let him take a penalty, Nicolás Otamendi analyzed his time with the national team. The defender described his journey with the national team as 'a long road of many joys,' stating he currently feels 'sadness' to be leaving a team for which he gave 'everything' and always maintained the 'disposition to defend a country,' even though things 'sometimes go well and sometimes not.' Moreover, Otamendi said it is 'always a joy to defend these colors,' showed he is 'very happy' for his teammates, and thanked the people who support Scaloni's team, saying they 'show gratitude always, in every stadium and in every match,' valuing that he tried to 'enjoy' them. Regarding the recent friendly against Mauritania, the defender stated they are self-critical, demand the maximum of themselves in training to deserve each call-up, and know that 'the previous match did not go the best way.' Regarding the next World Cup, to be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the defender quoted Messi's phrase after the first day of the last World Cup: 'let the people believe because there is something to show,' and assured they will go 'to compete and defend the title.' Furthermore, on the decision of the '10' to play or not in the next World Cup, the 38-year-old defender said he does not know what determination Messi will make, but from his side, his teammates try 'to make him feel comfortable and happy.' Like his historic defensive partner, Cristian 'Cuti' Romero commented that he is leaving 'with the best feelings' after a first match that left 'a bitter taste,' as it had not gone as they wanted, but it changed as they entered 'with another mentality.'
