As the Argentina national team gathers for friendly matches against Mauritania and Zambia at La Bombonera during this international break, 38-year-old Nicolás Otamendi told Argentine media DSPORTS upon his arrival that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, after which he will retire from international football.
Reporter: “Another call-up to the national team – this is probably one of your last appearances for Argentina.”
Otamendi: “Yes, absolutely. As I said, right? After the World Cup, my international career is over, that’s for sure. So I’m happy, enjoying the moment, and now it’s time to get down to training.”
Reporter: “The CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions was cancelled. Have you guys discussed this in the squad?”
Otamendi: “No, of course not… Every match, every trophy is special, especially for our country. It’s a real shame we couldn’t play that game, but I can’t dwell on it now.”
Reporter: “How did you feel at the time? It was a huge match against Spain, which meant a lot to you, but now your focus is on the two upcoming friendlies.”
Otamendi: “Yeah, honestly, it would have been a fantastic game with an amazing atmosphere, but it just didn’t happen. That’s okay – we have two friendlies ahead, we’ll prepare properly, work hard, get back together after such a long time, and keep performing well just like before, right?”
“This [World Cup] is a wonderful competition, and I’ve been lucky to play in many editions. Honestly, it’s a chance, a trophy – the most important trophy a player can win – and then everything starts again. We’ll keep competing the same way, with the same mentality. It’s a trophy we’re defending, so we have to work hard to be in the best shape possible.”
Reporter: “Will your career be over for good after the World Cup? Or would you come back to say goodbye to the fans if you get called up in September?”
Otamendi: “No, no. Obviously, my time with the national team is coming to an end – this will be my last World Cup. Honestly, after that, I’ll just be a regular fan.”
Reporter: “Everyone says this could be Messi’s last World Cup too, is that right?”
Otamendi: “No, we don’t talk about that. When we’re together, we just live in the moment, enjoy the rare opportunity, and the chance to play side by side again – that’s it.”
Now 38 years old, Nicolás Otamendi is a centre-back who made his Argentina debut in May 2009. Over 17 years, he has earned 129 caps, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists. Otamendi has represented Argentina at 3 FIFA World Cups (2010, 2018, 2022) and 5 Copa América tournaments (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024), winning 1 World Cup and 2 Copa América titles.
