Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished 17-year career that included winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles.
The 38-year-old centre back earned 139 caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that reached this year's World Cup final in the United States. The defending champions were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain in the title match.
"Today I have to write the most difficult words of my career," Otamendi posted on Instagram. "As fate would have it, my last match was a World Cup final. It wasn't the result we wanted, but I'm leaving with my head held high, knowing that this team gave it their all right up to the very last second.
"Thank you, Argentina, for allowing me to fulfil the dream of becoming a world champion."
Otamendi recently completed a move to Argentine powerhouse River Plate after concluding a successful 16-year spell in European football. During that time, he represented Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica, while also appearing in four FIFA World Cups for Argentina.
