Rabat – Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi has retired from national football after playing his last match with the Albiceleste in the final against Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Otamendi posted a heartfelt letter on social media to bid farewell to the fans. The letter was accompanied by an emotional video that highlights his career with the national team, featuring his first goal and the titles he won alongside Lionel Messi, as well as those achieved under Lionel Scaloni.
The 38-year-old expressed his pride in playing for the Argentina national team and his gratitude for the time he spent with it, since it had been his dream from a very young age.
“Today I have to write the hardest words of my entire career,” wrote Otamendi on social networks. “I dreamed as a very young kid of wearing the Argentina national team jersey. It was the greatest privilege football ever gave me,” he added.
Otamendi reflected on the painful loss to Spain in the World Cup, marking it as his final match after 139 appearances for the Argentine national team since his debut in 2009.
“Fate wanted my last match to be a World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high knowing that this group gave everything until the very last second,” he said.
Otamendi took a moment to express his gratitude to all the Argentine fans for their support: “Thank you to the Argentine fans for your unconditional love. Thank you for every flag, every song, and for standing by us not only in the good times but especially during the toughest moments.”
At the end of his letter, He addressed the young Argentine players, encouraging them to fight for the jersey and never give up.
“Those who are still wearing this jersey today. I want to tell you something from the heart: never stop believing there will be blows that seem impossible to overcome, but this jersey always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice and love.”
Nicolás Otamendi has made 21 World Cup appearances for Argentina across the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions. He was also part of the team that won the 2022 Finalissima and participated in the Copa América tournaments in 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024.
The Argentine center-back has joined River’s training sessions and is set to make his debut on Saturday against Barracas Central, coached by Eduardo Chacho Coudet.
