Nicolas Otamendi retirement marks the end of his Argentina career as he joins Lionel Messi in stepping away from international football

Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an emotional end to his Argentina career after the defender shared his final appearance with captain Lionel Messi in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin Republic in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Also read: Benin Coach Gernot Rohr Laments Treatment After Messi Farewell

Otamendi, 38, and Messi, 39, were central figures in one of the most successful eras in Argentina’s football history, helping the Albiceleste win the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The River Plate defender was particularly important during Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar, playing every minute of every match as Lionel Scaloni’s side lifted the trophy.

His final international appearance against Benin also provided a memorable ending.

Otamendi opened the scoring in the second half after receiving an assist from Messi, who later set up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal in the 61st minute.

Messi then completed the 3-0 victory by converting a penalty 19 minutes from full-time, making his final Argentina appearance even more memorable.

After the match, Otamendi announced his decision to retire from international football while paying an emotional tribute to Messi and reflecting on his own Argentina journey.

“Today, we bring this chapter to an end together as players of this great Argentina National Team,” Otamendi said in a statement shared on Instagram.

The veteran defender described representing Argentina as one of the greatest honours of his life, saying the memories of training sessions, competitions, journeys and national-team celebrations would remain with him forever.

Otamendi also highlighted the significance of ending his international career alongside Messi.

He praised the Argentina captain as one of the greatest players in football history and credited him with inspiring teammates to believe, overcome setbacks and defend the national shirt with pride.

“What an extraordinary honour it has been to participate in this trajectory and to observe a legacy that shall endure perpetually in football and in the consciousness of all Argentines,” Otamendi said.

The defender added that while his time as an Argentina player had come to an end, everything the team achieved together would remain part of the country’s football history.

“I depart with honour, appreciation, and the assurance of having committed myself entirely whenever I possessed the distinction of serving my nation,” he said.

Otamendi also thanked Argentina for giving him the opportunity to wear the famous blue-and-white shirt, describing it as “a shirt for eternity”.

The defender and Messi shared the pitch for Argentina in 107 matches, underlining the longevity of their partnership at international level.

Their retirements represent the closing of a remarkable chapter for the Albiceleste, with both players having played major roles in the team’s golden period, culminating in the 2022 World Cup triumph.

Also read: Benin Coach Gernot Rohr Laments Treatment After Messi Farewell

For Otamendi, the decision brings an illustrious international career to a close after years of service, major trophies and memorable moments in the famous Argentina shirt.