Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 38 after a 17-year career with the national team.

Otamendi made his final appearance for Argentina when he came off the bench in Sunday’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, bringing the curtain down on a career that included four tournaments.

“Today I find myself writing the hardest words of my entire career,” Otamendi wrote on Instagram.

“I bid farewell to the Argentina national team, but I am immensely proud to have represented my country.

“Whilst titles go down in history, the love for these colours lasts a lifetime.”

Otamendi a decorated hero

Otamendi earned 139 caps and scored eight goals after making his debut for Argentina in 2009.

He was a key member of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup, as well as the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

“Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamt of wearing the Argentina national team shirt – it was the greatest privilege football has ever given me,” he added.

“I defended it with all my heart, with pride, and with a sense of responsibility, knowing what it means to millions of Argentines.

“Fate decreed that my final match would be a World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, knowing that this squad gave it their all right up to the very last second.”

Otamendi also thanked supporters for what he described as the greatest honour of his career.

“I bid farewell with the peace of mind that I have given my all,” he said.

“I never held back a single ounce of effort, I never stopped believing, and I never stopped seeing this shirt as the greatest honour of my life.

“Thank you, Argentina. Thank you for letting me fulfil my dream of becoming a world champion and of wearing the most beautiful shirt in the world.”

Defender joins River Plate

The veteran centre-back recently joined River Plate after a successful career in Europe with Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica.

He believes Argentina remain well placed for the future despite the disappointment of losing the final.

“To those who still wear this shirt today, I want to say something from the bottom of my heart: never stop believing,” Otamendi wrote.

“There will be setbacks that seem impossible to overcome, but this shirt always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice and love.

“Hold your heads high, keep fighting and don’t let a defeat rob you of your hope. I am convinced that the next chapter in our history will belong to you.”