Argentina star announces international retirement in emotional statement days after World Cup final defeat

Add us as preferred sourceArgentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international duty at the age of 38.

The former Manchester City centre-back revealed the news to fans on social media on Thursday, four days after the Albiceleste suffered defeat to Spain at the World Cup final.

Otamendi didn't start the match at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium but came on at the end of the first half after Lisandro Martinez went off injured.

He calls time on his international career having made 139 appearances for Argentina.

"Today, I have to write the hardest words of my entire career," Otamendi said on Instagram accompanied with a video of his highlights for the national team.

"Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team jersey; it was the greatest privilege football gave me.

World's biggest football stadium built to battle Bernabéu for 2030 World Cup final duties Paredes could make immediate return to match action days after World Cup final controversy

"I defended it with my heart and soul, with pride, and with the responsibility of knowing what it means to millions of Argentines.

"Fate would have it that my final match was a World Cup final. It wasn't the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, knowing this group gave it their all until the very last second.

"I say goodbye with the peace of mind that comes from having left everything on the pitch.

"I never held back a drop of effort, never stopped believing, and never stopped feeling that wearing this jersey was the greatest honor of my life.

Could Jeff Bezos buy Liverpool? Inside the extraordinary rumours about Amazon billionaireJermain Defoe leaves Woking after less than four months in charge as club gives statementDarwin Nunez offered escape from Saudi nightmare by MLS clubUSMNT player Sebastian Berhalter closes in on transfer to Championship club

"Thank you to the Argentine fans. Thank you for the unconditional love, for every flag, for every song, and for standing by us during the good times and—above all—during the toughest moments.

"You made it so that whenever the anthem played, we felt not like eleven players, but like millions defending the same dream.

"Thank you to my family. You were my refuge during every setback and my strength in every challenge. You endured the distance, the absences, the tears, and the frustrations. I never walked this path alone; we took every step together.

"And to those who continue to wear this jersey today, I want to say something from the bottom of my heart: never stop believing.

"There will be blows that seem impossible to overcome, but this jersey always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice, and love.

"Keep your heads up, keep fighting, and don't let a defeat steal your hope. I am convinced that the next chapter of our history belongs to you."

Ex-Porto, Benfica and Valencia man Otamendi received his first call-up for the national team by football icon Diego Maradona, starting a friendly against Panama in May 2009.

Otamendi made it into the squad for their 2010 World Cup campaign which ended at the quarter-final stage but did not represent his nation at the following World Cup four years later.

A high-profile move to Man City helped Otamendi get back into the reckoning as he played at the 2018, 2022 and recent 2026 editions of the tournament.

The undoubted highlight of his international career came in Qatar which saw Argentina become world champions for a third time as they beat France in a pulsating encounter in December 2022. Otamendi played every minute of every game for Argentina.

As well as World Cup glory, Otamendi tasted Copa America success in both 2021, which was won on Brazilian soil, and in 2024.

'Nightmare' - Aston Villa legend left horrified by imminent Alejandro Garnacho transfer Arokodare responds to reports he forced Wolves to cancel training session in protest

But Otamendi was unable to help his nation claim back-to-back world titles with the final ending in disgrace for Argentina on account of an unsavoury incident which saw teammate Leandro Paredes throw punches at Spain players immediately after the final whistle.

Otamendi is still intent on carrying on his club career; he plies his trade with River Plate having joined them in May on a one-year deal.