Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football, ending an incredible 17-year career with the national team. The 38-year-old leaves as one of Argentina’s most successful defenders, having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles. His last appearance came in Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final in the United States.Otamendi has made 139 appearances for Argentina and has been a key figure in the team’s success over the years. After the final, he shared an emotional message on Instagram, thanking the country for giving him the opportunity to achieve his biggest dream.“Now I have to write the most difficult words of my career. As fate would have it, my last game will be the final of the World Cup. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I’ll leave with my head held high, knowing that this team gave it their all until the last second. Thank you, Argentina, for allowing me to fulfill the dream of becoming a world champion,” he wrote. Argentina’s hopes of defending their World Cup title ended with a narrow extra-time loss to Spain in the final. The team showed great fighting spirit throughout the tournament, recovering from two goals down to defeat Egypt in the Round of 32 before making another dramatic comeback against England in the semi-finals. However, Spain proved too strong in the final and ended Argentina’s reign as world champions.
The decorated career ends
Otamendi also recently returned to Argentina to join River Plate after a successful club career in Europe. During his time abroad, he played for Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica, winning many major awards.Having represented Argentina in four FIFA World Cups, Otamendi retired as one of the country’s most experienced and skilled defenders, leaving behind a legacy built on consistency, leadership and success at the highest level.