While speculation continues around Lionel Messi’s international career, his long-term teammate Nicolas Otamendi confirmed his retirement and claimed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Spain on Sunday (July 19) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was his last game for the Argentina national team.
Otamendi bid adieu to international football after a career that lasted 17 years. He made his debut for the national team in 2009 against Panada under Diego Maradona. The legendary centre back ended up playing 139 games for the country. He was a key part of their team which won the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2021 and 2024 Copa America. The former Manchester City star scored eight goals for his country.
Nicolas Otamendi’s Retirement Message Full Text
“Today I have to write the hardest words of my entire career. I dreamed of wearing the Argentine National Team shirt from a very young age; it was the greatest privilege football ever gave me. I defended it with my soul, with pride, and with the responsibility of knowing what it means to millions of Argentines.
Destiny willed it that my last 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 group tried until the very last second. I say goodbye with the peace of mind of having left everything on the pitch. I never saved a single drop of effort, I never stopped believing, and I never stopped feeling this shirt as the greatest honor of my life.
Thank you to the Argentine fans. Thank you for the unconditional love, for every flag, for every chant, for standing by us in the good moments and, above all, in the most difficult ones. You made us feel that every time the national anthem played, we weren’t just eleven players, but millions defending the same dream.
Thank you to my family. You were my refuge in every fall and my strength in every challenge. You endured the distances, the absences, the tears, and the frustrations. I never walked this path alone; we took every step together.
And to those who continue to wear this shirt today, I want to tell you something from the 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. Hold your heads up, keep fighting, and don’t let a defeat steal your hope. I am convinced that the next chapter of our story belongs to you.
Today I say goodbye to the Argentine National Team, but with immense pride for having represented my country. Because titles remain in history, but the love for these colors lasts a lifetime. Thank you, Argentina. Thank you for letting me fulfill the dream of being a world champion and wearing the most beautiful shirt in the world.Until always, Selección,” Otamendi wrote on Instagram
Otamendi In 2026 FIFA World Cup
Otamendi came on in the World Cup final from the bench after an injury to Lisandro Martinez in the first half. The 38-year-old started only one game in the tournament but came on as a substitute in every match apart from the Round of 16 against Egypt.