Argentine defender Nicolás Otamendi announced his retirement from international football at the age of 38, ending a storied career with his national team, four days after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain 1-0 after extra time.

Otamendi, who recently joined River Plate, published a message on his social media accounts confirming his decision, saying: 'I leave the national team feeling satisfied because I gave my all. I never spared any effort, I never lost faith, and wearing this jersey has been the greatest honor of my life.'

Otamendi earned 139 international caps since his debut for Argentina in 2009 under the late Diego Maradona. He played in four World Cups (2010, 2018, 2022, and 2026) and was a key figure in the team that won the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

He also won two Copa América titles with the Albiceleste in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima against Italy.

Otamendi had stated in 2025 that the 2026 World Cup would be his last with the national team, before officially closing a chapter that spanned more than 15 years wearing the Argentina shirt.

At club level, the veteran defender started a new chapter by joining River Plate, after long years in European football with Porto, Benfica, Valencia, and Manchester City, as well as a brief stint with Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro.