Nicolas Otamendi has been one of many cornerstones and leaders of Argentina throughout one of the vital profitable eras within the nationwide workforce’s historical past, however the veteran defender has now introduced that the 2026 World Cup will mark the tip of his worldwide profession. With that call confirmed, Lionel Messi will probably be left as the only remaining member of the squad that completed as runner-up on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Argentina are set to bid farewell to their dwelling followers earlier than departing for North America in June, with friendlies towards Mauritania and Zambia organized for the March worldwide break. Known as up for each video games, Otamendi spoke to reporters upon arriving in Argentina, addressing his future with the Albiceleste straight.
When requested in regards to the call-up and his mindset heading into the World Cup, the 38-year-old was unambiguous about his plans: “After the World Cup, my time with the nationwide workforce will formally come to an finish. I’m glad, I’m having fun with the second, and now it’s time to get to work.“
When additional pressed on whether or not he would return for the September worldwide break to obtain a farewell from the followers, Otamendi once more left no room for doubt. “A cycle with the nationwide workforce is closing; this will probably be my final World Cup, and after that, I’ll simply be one other fan,” he mentioned, confirming that the event in North America will probably be his last look for the Albiceleste.
Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winners Medal.
Set to expertise his final World Cup alongside the person who has been his worldwide teammate for thus lengthy, Otamendi was requested whether or not he and Messi discuss this last chapter collectively. “We don’t discuss that. We simply dwell it after we get collectively; we dwell within the second and benefit from the alternative, the coaching grounds, and being collectively as soon as once more,” he replied.
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Including a bittersweet word to his farewell tour, FIFA has confirmed that Otamendi will probably be required to serve a one-game suspension on the World Cup, stemming from a crimson card he acquired in Argentina’s last CONMEBOL qualifier towards Ecuador. The ban means he’ll miss the Albiceleste’s group stage opener towards Algeria on June 16, although the event itself, unfold throughout Canada, Mexico and america, will undoubtedly function a becoming last stage for one among Argentina’s most adorned worldwide defenders.
Messi, the one one left from the 2014 World Cup squad
Otamendi made his World Cup debut in 2010 at simply 22 years previous below Diego Maradona, launching a outstanding worldwide profession that has run in parallel with Messi’s for the most effective a part of 16 years. Their first unforgettable shared second got here in Brazil in 2014, when Argentina reached the ultimate on their rival’s dwelling soil, solely to fall in additional time to Germany in a match that left the nation heartbroken.
From that time, the journey was full of highs and lows: consecutive Copa America last defeats, Messi’s temporary retirement from worldwide responsibility and subsequent return, a bruising early exit on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, after which the golden period that introduced the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the Finalissima towards Italy, and the crowning second of the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Coach Alejandro Sabella and Lionel Messi of Argentina seems to be on along with his workforce after being defeated by Germany 1-0.
A lot of these 2014 squad members have already hung up their worldwide boots, with Angel Di Maria being one of many final to take action, stepping away after the 2024 Copa America in america. Otamendi will comply with that very same path after the 2026 World Cup, and whereas Messi’s personal future past the event stays undecided, the Inter Miami star will stand alone because the final surviving hyperlink to that squad from 12 years in the past.
