Fernando Romero Nuñez 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.”
He thanked fans and his family for the continued support through the good times and the bad, and called on the next generation of Argentina players to “never stop believing.”
“Thank you, Argentina. Thank you for letting me fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion and wearing the most beautiful jersey in the world,” he concluded.
Messages from former teammates
Otamendi’s post on Instagram was received with widespread support and affection, from former teammates, fans and others.
Alexis Mac Allister thanked him for being “an exemplar of fight, resilience and love for the shirt,” while Germán Pezzella lauded him for being “a guide for us all.” Paulo Dybala, Marcos Senesi, Mariano Andujar and Gianluca Prestianni also joined in with thankful messages.
Rodrigo de Paul was so far the only one to publish a dedicated message to the Argentine vice-captain, in an Instagram story.
“From the day I got to the national team, you opened the door to your room, and since then we’ve held the same rituals,” he wrote. “My thanks to you, my brother, are eternal. You were an example to follow and one of the leaders of the beautiful story this team built. Thanks for everything, I’ll miss you”
Otamendi’s legacy
While the news proved emotional for most around the Argentine national team, it’s hardly unexpected. At 38, Otamendi was undoubtedly among those who looked certain to miss out on upcoming Albiceleste games.
One of head coach Lionel Scaloni’s most trusted starters for Qatar 2022, his role four years later became that of a support backup, with Lisandro Martínez largely replacing him alongside Cristian Cuti Romero in the starting centerback duo.
Otamendi had been a staple of the Albiceleste since first breaking out in 2008 as a stalwart defender at Vélez Sarsfield in the Argentine First Division, then with several clubs in Europe.
A rugged, uncompromising and abrasive defender, Otamendi brought tenacity to his teams and the national team, a factor best exemplified by his aerial dominance in duels despite standing at just 1,83m — a big frame for Argentine football but often lacking in the international scene.
The picture of him towering over 1,98m Harry Souttar in Argentina’s round of 16 duel against Australia in Qatar 2022 became an icon of Otamendi’s effort and dedication.
He leaves a legacy of determination, fierceness and competitiveness that the next generation of Argentine defenders will undoubtedly aim to replicate, joining the ranks of Daniel Passarella, Oscar Ruggeri and Roberto Ayala as some of Argentina’s greatest defenders.
