Nicolás Otamendi retires from Argentina after World Cup loss

Veteran Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, July -, 2026, four days after his team's extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The 38-year-old, who recently signed for Argentine club River Plate, concluded a 17-year national team career that included 139 caps, a World Cup title, and multiple continental honors.

Otamendi confirmed his decision in a video and an open letter posted on social media, describing the opportunity to represent Argentina as "the greatest privilege football has given me." He wrote that he dreamed as a boy of wearing the national shirt and defended it with all his heart. "I leave with the peace of mind of knowing I gave everything," Otamendi stated. "I never held anything back, I never stopped believing and I never stopped wearing this shirt with the greatest pride of my life."

Despite ending his international career with the disappointment of a 1-0 loss in the final on Sunday, July -, 2026, Otamendi said he departed "with my head held high" because the team had "fought until the very last second." He thanked Argentina's supporters for their "unconditional love," saying their backing...