Argentine great Nicolas Otamendi retires from international football

Argentina's veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football, closing out a 17-year career with the national team days after playing in the 2026 World Cup final.

The 38-year-old centre-back, who made his Argentina debut in 2009, confirmed the decision on Thursday (July 24), bidding farewell to the light blue and white jersey after Argentina's final appearance of the tournament against Spain, which the defending champions lost 1-0 after extra time.

Otamendi made 139 international appearances for Argentina, representing the country at four World Cups — 2010, 2018, 2022 and 2026 — and playing a central role in the side's 2022 Qatar World Cup triumph as well as back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Announcing his decision in an emotional Instagram post, Otamendi wrote that he had to put down "the most difficult words" of his career. He said fate had decreed his last match would be a World Cup final, and that although the result had not gone Argentina's way, the team had fought to the very last second.

He thanked Argentina for the chance to live out his dream of becoming a world champion.

Otamendi built his club career at Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica before returning home this year to join River Plate. While his international career has ended, he is expected to continue playing at club level with the Buenos Aires giants.