Nicolas Otamendi Retires From International Football, Hails Lionel Messi

Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his long career with the national team to an end alongside captain Lionel Messi.

The 38-year-old made the announcement after Argentina’s 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6. The match also marked Messi’s final appearance for Argentina before his international retirement.

Otamendi played a central role in Argentina’s successful run over the past several years, helping the team win the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His final international match proved especially memorable as he opened the scoring against Benin after receiving an assist from Messi. Nicolas Paz then doubled Argentina’s lead before Messi completed the 3-0 victory with a late penalty.

Reflecting on the moment, Otamendi said sharing his final chapter with Messi made the occasion even more special. He described the Argentina captain as a player who inspired teammates to keep believing, recover from setbacks and represent the national shirt with commitment.

Otamendi said his years with Argentina represented one of the greatest honours of his life, adding that every training session, competition, journey and rendition of the national anthem would remain part of his memories.

The defender also reflected on his relationship with Messi, saying it was a privilege to witness the career and legacy of a player he regards as one of the greatest in football history.

Otamendi later described the Benin match as an unexpected final appearance, saying he had believed his last game for Argentina had already come at the 2026 World Cup. “Fueron muchos años en la Selección juntos, y fue hermoso disfrutarlo con él,” he said, reflecting on the years he shared with Messi.

The farewell brought an end to an era for Argentina, with Otamendi and Messi having been key figures in the side that delivered four major senior titles during their time together. Otamendi leaves international football with his final Argentina goal coming in the same match in which Messi signed off in front of the home crowd.