Guys, what a Thursday we've had. Nico Otamendi has released a statement on Instagram and says goodbye to the Argentina national team after 139 matches, one World Cup, two Copa América titles and one Finalissima.And he did so after losing the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, with a message that breaks your heart: "Fate wanted my last match to be a World Cup final".
I respect him immensely as a footballer. The Otamendi of 2022 in Qatar was a wall, he silenced everyone who said he was the weak link. But it's also true that in this final he was outmatched at times, Ferrán beat him in that key play... It's fair to say he leaves with his head held high, but does anyone feel he could have held on for one more year until the 2027 Copa América?
"Never stop believing. There will be blows that seem impossible to overcome, but this jersey always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice, and love."
That's what he said in the video. The guy is pure heart, a warrior of a kind that no longer exists. But in my WhatsApp group there's already division: some say he's a top 3 center-back in Argentine history and others say he was always a "steady performer" who was there at the right time.
139 matches (21 in World Cups), 8 goals, 4 World Cups played (2010, 2018, 2022, 2026), 2 Copa América (2021, 2024), 1 Finalissima (2022) and 1 World Cup (2022). He retires at 38 after signing for River Plate. That header against Brazil at the Maracaná in 2023 is living history of Argentine football. 🔥
Look at these photos of his last dance in the light blue and white:
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Photos: elmundo.es
Photos: Efe / AFP
Look at the table of his major tournaments with Argentina. It's frame-worthy:
Tournament | Editions | Highlight result |
|---|---|---|
World Cup | 2010, 2018, 2022, 2026 | 🏆 Champion 2022 · 🥈 Runner-up 2026 |
Copa América | 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 | 🏆 Champion 2021 and 2024 |
Finalissima | 2022 | 🏆 Champion |
And now what interests me most, your opinion. Because it seems that in Argentina there is a debate: is he a legend or just a good center-back who was in the right place?
Otamendi: does he leave as a legend or as a good defender who was there? 🇦🇷🤔
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I personally think he is a historical figure of the national team, one of those who gives his all and doesn't hide. But I also understand that his style was sometimes... let's say intense (I'll say no more). What is clear is that at 38 years old and after 139 matches, he retires as one of the defenders with the most appearances in Argentine history.
What do you think? Will we make him a spot in the top of all-time Argentine center-backs or does he leave without much noise? I'm reading you! 👇🔥