Otamendi bids farewell to Argentina national team in emotional letter

Nicolás Otamendi has announced his retirement from the Argentine national football team, bringing an end to a 17-season career with the Albiceleste. The 38-year-old defender shared his emotional farewell in a lengthy letter published on his Instagram account.

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Today I have to write the most difficult words of my entire career.

Otamendi described the decision as the most difficult of his career, stating that he always gave his all for the national team and considered representing Argentina the greatest privilege football offered him. His retirement follows Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, an event he noted as a destined final appearance in a title match.

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Dreaming of wearing the Argentine National Team jersey from a very young age was the greatest privilege football has given me.

Despite the pain of the loss, Otamendi expressed pride in the team's effort, stating, "It was not the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high." He extended his gratitude to the Argentine fans for their unwavering support through both victories and difficult times, emphasizing that the players always felt the backing of millions of Argentines.

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Destiny wanted my last match to be a World Cup final. It was not the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high that this group tried until the last second.

The defender also acknowledged the support of his family throughout his career, which involved distance, absences, frustrations, and challenges. He urged his teammates to remain hopeful despite setbacks, asserting that the national team jersey rewards humility, sacrifice, and love. Otamendi expressed confidence that the next generation will achieve further success for the national team.

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I say goodbye with the peace of mind of having given my all. I never held back a drop of effort, I never stopped believing, and I never stopped feeling this jersey as the greatest honor of my life.