ARGENTINA DEFENDER OTAMENDI ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football, paying tribute to captain Lionel Messi as both players bring their Argentina careers to a close.

Otamendi, 38, made the announcement after Argentina’s 3-0 friendly victory over Benin Republic in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6.

The veteran defender and Messi, 39, were key members of the Argentina squad that won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Otamendi featured in every minute of Argentina’s victorious World Cup campaign in Qatar, while also playing a major role in the team’s success over the years.

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The River Plate defender opened the scoring against Benin in the second half after receiving an assist from Messi. The Argentina captain later set up Nico Paz for the second goal in the 61st minute before converting a penalty 19 minutes from full time.

Taking to Instagram, Otamendi described his international career as one of the greatest honours of his life.

“Today, we bring this chapter to an end together as players of this great Argentina National Team,” he wrote.

Otamendi said representing Argentina had been an extraordinary privilege, adding that every training session, competition, journey and rendition of the national anthem would remain unforgettable.

He also reserved special praise for Messi, describing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as “the preeminent player in the history of the sport.”

According to Otamendi, Messi taught the team to believe, recover from setbacks and represent the national colours with unwavering commitment.

He added that sharing the final chapter of his international career with Messi made the occasion even more meaningful.

“Today we conclude a chapter, yet all we accomplished shall persist indefinitely. I depart with honour, appreciation, and the assurance of having committed myself entirely whenever I possessed the distinction of serving my nation,” Otamendi said.

He thanked Argentina for giving him the opportunity to represent the country and described the national shirt as “a shirt for eternity.”

Otamendi and Messi played 107 matches together for Argentina, sharing the pitch throughout their decorated international careers.