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Otamendi Retires from Argentina After World Cup Final

7/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nicolás Otamendi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team on 2026-07-24 via Instagram.
His last appearance was the 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on 2026-07-20 in New Jersey.
He finished with 139 caps, eight goals, two assists and titles including the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América and the 2022 Finalissima.
He signed with River Plate in early 2026 through 2027.

History

Historical Context

Diego Maradona’s last match for Argentina came at the 1994 World Cup, where a failed ephedrine test forced his expulsion after the group-stage matches; Argentina then fell to Romania in the round of 16. The incident ended a 17-year international career that produced 91 caps and 34 goals, following his 1986 World Cup triumph and a 1984 world-record £6.9 million transfer to Napoli.

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Story summary

Nicolás Otamendi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team on 2026-07-24 via Instagram.
His last appearance was the 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on 2026-07-20 in New Jersey.
He finished with 139 caps, eight goals, two assists and titles including the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América and the 2022 Finalissima.
He signed with River Plate in early 2026 through 2027.

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