Argentina men’s national football team defender Nicolás Otamendi announced on Wednesday his retirement from the team, following the 2026 World Cup.
The defender made the announcement official on his Instagram account.
“Today, I’m writing the most difficult words I’ve ever had to,” the former Manchester City and Benfica man wrote. He went on to say that wearing the Argentina shirt was “a childhood dream’’ and “the greatest privilege” he had in football.
“I defended it with all my heart, with pride, and with a sense of responsibility, knowing what it means to millions of Argentines,” he wrote.
Otamendi went on to regret Argentina’s defeat at the 2026 World Cup final, insisting he leaves “with the peace of mind that comes from giving it all.”
