Argentina’s defender Nicolás Otamendi has announced his retirement from International football after the World Cup. The 2026 edition was the fourth World Cup for the centre-back, and he came as a substitute in extra time in the summit clash against Spain.
Argentina eventually suffered a 1-0 loss against La Roja at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, in the final clash.
Meanwhile, Otamendi won the 2022 World Cup with the national team in Qatar and also won two Copa America titles. He scored eight goals in 139 appearances for La Albiceleste after making his debut as an 21-year-old.
“Today I find myself writing the hardest words of my entire career,” Otamendi wrote on Instagram.
“I bid farewell to the Argentina national team, but I am immensely proud to have represented my country.
“Whilst titles go down in history, the love for these colours lasts a lifetime.”
The veteran said it was always his dream to play for the national team and gave his gratitude to the country for helping him make his dream come true.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamt of wearing the Argentina national team shirt — it was the greatest privilege football has ever given me,” Otamendi added.
“I defended it with all my heart, with pride, and with a sense of responsibility, knowing what it means to millions of Argentines. Fate decreed that my final match would be a World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, knowing that this squad gave it their all right up to the very last second.
“I bid farewell with the peace of mind that I have given my all. I never held back a single ounce of effort, I never stopped believing, and I never stopped seeing this shirt as the greatest honour of my life.
“Thank you, Argentina. Thank you for letting me fulfil my dream of becoming a world champion and of wearing the most beautiful shirt in the world.”
The 38-year-old urged his teammates never to stop believing in themselves and give their absolute best whenever they wear the Sky Blue and White jersey.
“To those who still wear this shirt today, I want to say something from the bottom of my heart: never stop believing,” he wrote.
“There will be setbacks that seem impossible to overcome, but this shirt always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice and love. Hold your heads high, keep fighting and don’t let a defeat rob you of your hope. I am convinced that the next chapter in our history will belong to you.”
