Otamendi Retires Following Argentina's World Cup Elimination

Nicolas Otamendi becomes the first Argentine player to officially announce his international retirement following his team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The defender thus closes a long career with the national team. His departure comes shortly after Argentina's elimination from the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Otamendi leaves behind a legacy as a defensive leader in a team that reached the World Cup final three times.