Nicolas Otamendi has officially brought the curtain down on his remarkable Argentina career, ending 17 years of international football following his country’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
The veteran defender made his final appearance when he came off the bench in Argentina’s 1-0 loss, bringing an end to a journey that established him as one of the nation’s most decorated defenders. Although Otamendi had announced his intention to retire earlier this year, Thursday marked his official farewell to the Albiceleste.
The 38-year-old leaves the international stage with 139 appearances, making him Argentina’s fifth-most capped player of all time. Only Lionel Messi (207), Javier Mascherano (147), Angel Di Maria (145) and Javier Zanetti (145) have represented the South American giants more often.
Otamendi’s Argentina story began in May 2009 when then-head coach Diego Maradona handed him a surprise debut against Panama despite the defender having played just 11 professional matches. From that moment, he became a cornerstone of Argentina’s defence across multiple generations.
His greatest achievements came during Argentina’s recent golden era under Lionel Scaloni. Otamendi helped the nation lift back-to-back Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he played every minute of the victorious campaign.
At this summer’s World Cup, however, his role was reduced as younger defenders took centre stage. He featured seven times but started only once before replacing Lisandro Martinez during the final against Spain. Despite Argentina’s determined effort, they were unable to retain the trophy.
In an emotional farewell message posted on Instagram, Otamendi reflected on what representing his country had meant throughout his career.
“I find myself writing the hardest words of my entire career,” he wrote.
“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. Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina shirt. It was the greatest privilege football has ever given me.”
He added that leaving after a World Cup final defeat was painful but insisted he had no regrets.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high knowing this squad gave everything until the final second. I never held back a single ounce of effort, and I never stopped believing.”
Otamendi also finished his international career level with Diego Maradona on 21 World Cup appearances, with only Messi having played more matches for Argentina at the tournament.
Meanwhile, midfielder Leandro Paredes admitted he is also considering his international future after the World Cup. The Roma midfielder said several senior players will take time before deciding whether to continue representing Argentina.
Paredes also acknowledged Spain deserved their victory in the final, saying: “Spain were better than us. They are worthy World Cup winners. Now we have to appreciate everything this group has achieved over the last eight years.”
With Otamendi’s retirement confirmed and other experienced players weighing up their futures, Argentina could soon begin a new chapter as Scaloni prepares the national team for the next World Cup cycle.