Nicolás Otamendi retires from Argentina duty at 38 after World Cup final defeat to Spain

## Announcement Nicolás Otamendi, the 38-year-old central defender, announced his retirement from international football on Thursday evening, 23 July 2026. The decision came four days after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain, 1-0 after extra time, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Otamendi shared a video and a letter on his social media accounts, describing the moment as "the most difficult words of my entire career." He leaves the national team with 139 caps, the most by any Argentine defender, having made his debut in 2009 under coach Diego Maradona.

A decorated career

Otamendi's international trophy cabinet includes the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, two Copa América titles (2021 in Brazil and 2024 in the United States), and the 2022 Finalissima against Italy. He appeared in four World Cups: South Africa 2010, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, and the 2026 tournament in North America. At club level, he played for Porto in Portugal and Manchester City in England before joining River Plate in his homeland earlier this year. He also represented Argentina at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The final defeat

Spain's 1-0 victory in the 2026 final ended Argentina's reign as world champions. Otamendi, who started the tournament on the bench, worked his way into the starting lineup and played the full 120 minutes of the final. The match was decided by a goal in extra time, handing Spain their second World Cup title. For Otamendi, it was the closing act of a 17-year international journey that began under Maradona and peaked under Lionel Scaloni.

Farewell message

In his written farewell, Otamendi struck a reflective tone.

I say goodbye with the peace of having given everything. I never spared any effort, I never stopped believing, and I never stopped considering this shirt as the greatest honor of my life.

He also recalled his childhood dream.

Since I was very young, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team jersey; it was the greatest privilege football has given me. I defended it body and soul, with pride and with the awareness of what it represents for millions of Argentines.

He ended with gratitude.

Today I say goodbye to the Argentina national team, but I do so with immense pride in having represented my country. Because while titles go down in history, the love for these colors lasts a lifetime. Thank you, Argentina. Thank you for allowing me to fulfill my dream: to become world champion and wear the most beautiful jersey in the world.

What comes next

Otamendi had already announced in 2025 that the 2026 World Cup would be his last tournament with Argentina. Now he turns his full attention to River Plate, the Buenos Aires giant he joined after leaving Manchester City. Argentina, under Scaloni, will need to rebuild their defense ahead of the 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign. Otamendi's departure, alongside other veterans, marks the end of a golden generation that delivered the country's third World Cup star.