Ex-Man City defender Nicolas Otamendi announces end to Argentina career and reveals when retirement decision will be made

Argentina defender Otamendi confirmed in an interview that his time with the national team will end after the World Cup, with the recent qualifying match against Venezuela being his last official match in his homeland. This follows team-mate Lionel Messi’s suggestion that he may retire after the tournament, saying that he has played his last ever qualifier. 

“I said it was going to be my last official match in Argentina, with our fans , my family would be there... The truth is that they are a key part of me. We are going through a wonderful stage, and the fact that they get to enjoy this moment makes me very happy."  he said on Telefe. "The World Cup would be my last competition with the national team."

The veteran is aiming to go out with another World Cup crown, adding: "When you wake up from a dream, you want to dream again, and we Argentines are ambitious . We're going to compete, but always with humility, our feet on the ground, knowing that it's something difficult but not impossible."

The 37-year-old's contract at Benfica expires at the end of the season and it has been suggested he could bow out of the game altogether, though there have been reports of a move back to Argentina for a spell with River Plate, which he denied. 

"I have a one-year contract with Benfica , and after the World Cup I'll see what I'll do," he said. "I've never spoken to [River coach Marcelo Gallardo], I've never had the opportunity to speak to him."

Otamendi will look to end his Argentina career on a high by winning the 2026 World Cup held in Canada, USA and Mexico.