Argentine defender Nicolás Otamendi, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, announced his international retirement, bringing to a close a journey of more than a decade with the Albiceleste.

At 38, the 2022 World Cup champion leaves the national team with an exceptional record and a heartfelt farewell message.

In a lengthy letter published on social media, Otamendi admitted these were the hardest words he had ever written in his career.

He recalled that wearing the Argentina shirt was the greatest privilege football had given him, and that he defended it with all his soul, pride, and responsibility.

The central defender revealed that the final of the last World Cup will remain his ultimate appearance with the national squad.

Despite the disappointment of the result, he says he leaves the national team with his head held high, convinced that the group fought until the very last second.