Nicolas Otamendi Announces Retirement from International Football After World Cup Final
Nicolas Otamendi's Farewell to the National Team
As discussions about Lionel Messi's future with the national team continue, Nicolas Otamendi has officially announced his retirement from international football. The veteran defender revealed that the recent FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey marked the end of his 17-year career with the Argentina national team. Otamendi made his debut in 2009 under the management of Diego Maradona and went on to earn 139 caps for his country. He played a pivotal role in Argentina's triumphs at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Copa America tournaments in 2021 and 2024, contributing eight goals during his tenure.
Full Retirement Message from Nicolas Otamendi
"Today, I find myself writing the most challenging words of my career. From a young age, I dreamed of donning the Argentine National Team jersey; it has been the greatest honor football has bestowed upon me. I wore it with pride and dedication, fully aware of its significance to millions of Argentines. Fate has it that my final match was a World Cup final. Although the outcome was not what we hoped for, I leave with my head held high, knowing that we fought until the very end. I depart with the satisfaction of having given my all on the field. I never held back, always believed, and cherished this jersey as the highest honor of my life. Thank you to the Argentine fans for your unwavering support, for every flag and chant, for standing by us in both joyous and challenging times. You made us feel that every time the national anthem played, we were not just eleven players, but millions united in pursuit of the same dream. Thank you to my family, my refuge during tough times and my strength through challenges. You endured the distances, the absences, the tears, and the frustrations. I never walked this path alone; we journeyed together. To those who continue to wear this jersey, I urge you to never lose faith. There will be challenges that seem insurmountable, but this jersey rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice, and love. Keep your heads high, continue to fight, and don’t let a defeat extinguish your hope. I believe the next chapter of our story belongs to you. Today, I bid farewell to the Argentine National Team, filled with immense pride for having represented my country. Titles may fade, but the love for these colors endures forever. Thank you, Argentina, for allowing me to fulfill my dream of being a world champion and wearing the most beautiful jersey in the world. Until we meet again, Selección," Otamendi shared on Instagram
Otamendi's Role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
During the World Cup final, Otamendi was called upon from the bench following an injury to Lisandro Martinez in the first half. At 38 years old, he started only one match in the tournament but was a substitute in every game except for the Round of 16 against Egypt.