Argentina lost the World Cup final, and it was a sad moment for the team. Now, one of the team’s most experienced players is saying goodbye to the national team for good. Nicolas Otamendi has decided to stop playing for Argentina. This news came just days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final.
The 38 year old shared his decision in an emotional message on social media. He said it was one of the hardest things he ever had to write. He talked about how strange it felt that his very last game for Argentina was a World Cup final. Even though his team didn’t win, he said he was proud, because everyone on the team tried their best until the very end.
A Career That Lasted Four World Cups
Otamendi played for Argentina for a very long time. He was part of four World Cups, in 2010, 2018, 2022, and 2026. In total, he played 139 games for his country. He first played for Argentina back in 2009, and his very first coach was the famous Diego Maradona.
Over the years, Otamendi became part of one of Argentina’s best teams ever. He won the World Cup in 2022, and he also won two Copa America trophies. This time, he didn’t play as much during the tournament, but he was still an important part of the team.
Saying Thank You to the Fans
In his goodbye message, Otamendi didn’t just talk about himself. He also thanked the fans who supported him and the team for many years. He said the fans’ support was so strong that it felt like millions of people were standing right beside the players every time they sang the national anthem.
He also said that wearing the Argentina shirt meant everything to him. He said he always gave his full effort every single time he played for his country.
What Happens Next for Argentina
Otamendi isn’t the only player thinking about his future. Other players, like goalkeeper Emi Martinez, have also said they might leave the national team soon too. And there’s an even bigger question everyone is asking, will Lionel Messi, who is 39 years old, play in another World Cup for Argentina, or was this his last one?
For now, though, this moment belongs to Otamendi. He gave many years of hard work to the Argentina team, and he chose to end his journey on the biggest stage in football.
Digieh’s Take:
There’s something special about a career ending the same way it started, on the world’s biggest stage, with millions of fans watching. Not every player gets to choose how their story ends, and losing a World Cup final is one of the hardest things to go through. But the way Otamendi said goodbye, with thankfulness instead of sadness, shows what kind of person he really is. Fourteen years, four World Cups, and one World Cup trophy, that’s the kind of career most players only dream about.
According to beIN Sports and Pulse Sports
