Nicolas Otamendi retires from Argentina duty after final

Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a long spell with Argentina in which he became one of the defining figures of the modern Albiceleste side.

An era ends for Argentina

The 38-year-old defender leaves the national team with a record that reflects both longevity and success. Across 139 appearances for Argentina, Otamendi scored eight goals and played his part in one of the most decorated periods of the country’s recent history.

His honours with the national side include the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. The final match of his international career came in a World Cup final, a detail he addressed in his farewell message.

“Today I have to write the most difficult words of my entire career. I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team shirt from a very young age; it was the greatest privilege football gave me. I defended it with all my heart, with pride and with responsibility, knowing what it means for millions of Argentinians.”

Otamendi added that the ending was not the one Argentina had wanted, but said he was leaving with his head held high after a team effort that lasted “to the last second”.

From Velez to the top of the game

Otamendi’s rise began in Argentina, where he won the league title with Velez Sarsfield in 2009. That success proved to be an early milestone in a career that would later take him to Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica.

At the end of May, he signed for River Plate, the most decorated club in Argentina, on a deal that runs until the end of December 2027. His new side are due to begin their next league season on Sunday 26 July against CA Barracas Central.

That club move now comes alongside a major personal transition. With his international chapter closed, Otamendi will continue his career at domestic level after more than a decade as a central figure for his country.

A changing Argentina squad

Otamendi’s departure also underlines the generational shift facing Argentina. During the most recent World Cup, the Albiceleste were among the older squads in the tournament, with an average age of 29.3. Only Panama and Iran had older groups on average, both at 30.4.

As one of the senior figures in the dressing room, Otamendi was central to that profile. His exit leaves Argentina without one of their most experienced defenders and one of the players most closely associated with the team’s recent run of major titles.

In his farewell, he also addressed those who will carry the national team forward.

“To those who still wear this shirt, I want to say something from the bottom of my heart: never stop believing. There will be blows that seem impossible to overcome, but this shirt always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice and love. Keep your heads high, fight, and do not let defeat steal your hope. I am convinced that the next chapter of our history will belong to you.”

A decorated international farewell

Otamendi signed off by thanking Argentina for allowing him to fulfil what he described as the dream of becoming a world champion and wearing the most beautiful shirt in the world.

For Argentina, his retirement closes the book on a defender who spanned multiple eras and remained relevant long enough to finish with the biggest prizes in international football. For Otamendi, it is the end of a journey that began with a childhood ambition and concluded after 139 caps, major silverware and a place in the country’s recent football history.