Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 38 after a 17-year career with the national team. Otamendi made his final appearance for Argentina when he came off the bench in Sundays 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, bringing the curtain down on a career that included four tournaments.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.Table of ContentsOtamendi a decorated heroDefender joins River PlateOtamendi a decorated heroOtamendi earned 139 caps and scored eight goals after making his debut for Argentina in 2009.He was a key member of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup, as well as the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.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, he 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 wasnt 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.Otamendi also thanked supporters for what he described as the greatest honour of his career.I bid farewell with the peace of mind that I have given my all, he said.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.Defender joins River PlateThe veteran centre-back recently joined River Plate after a successful career in Europe with Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica.He believes Argentina remain well placed for the future despite the disappointment of losing the final.To those who still wear this shirt today, I want to say something from the bottom of my heart: never stop believing, Otamendi 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 dont let a defeat rob you of your hope. I am convinced that the next chapter in our history will belong to you. Topics Argentina National Football Team Nicolas Otamendi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Spain boss De La Fuente slams unacceptable and intolerable Argentina behaviour Nicholas McGee 24th July, 2026 Gavi calls for Paredes to avoid suspension despite World Cup final bust-up Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026 Argentina coach Roberto Ayala to apologise to Dani Olmo in person but says clash was a push, not a punch Jon Fisher 22nd July, 2026 Worth as much as the gold medal Yamal reveals Messi message after Spains World Cup triumph over Argentina Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026 Players from Argentine club Tigre display Malvinas flag after Copa Sudamericana win Jon Fisher 22nd July, 2026 Disgraced Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes set to play for Boca Juniors tomorrow night Jon Fisher 22nd July, 2026
