N. Otamendi has retired from the national team.

2026-07-24 19:58 © AP

Argentine football legend Nicolás Otamendi announced his retirement.

The center-back will no longer play for the "La Albiceleste" national team – his career will come to an end after 17 years and 139 matches.

In 139 matches, N. Otamendi scored 8 goals representing the Argentina national team.

With Argentina, the 38-year-old defender fought for four trophies, including the 2022 triumph in the World Cup. He also appeared in this championship's final, when he replaced the injured Lisandro Martínez.

N. Otamendi will continue his club career at River Plate.

🚨 BREAKING: Nicolás Otamendi announces his RETIREMENT from the Argentina National Team 💙🇦🇷

🗣️ "Today I have to write the hardest words of my entire career.

"Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team shirt. It was the greatest privilege… pic.twitter.com/rz7fYHoyjQ

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 23, 2026