End of an era for Otamendi: Benfica captain posts message online | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi starred in a landmark moment in his international career when, at La Bombonera, he played his final game for the Argentina national team on home soil. The 38-year-old Benfica centre-back started the friendly against Zambia and experienced a night full of symbolism, at a time when the end of his journey with the Albiceleste is drawing near.

Having already decided to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup, Otamendi was given a special moment during the match. In the 50th minute, Lionel Messi handed him the chance to take a penalty, which the defender calmly converted, scoring his eighth goal for the national team on his 130th cap.

"Proud of my country and this national team. A chapter of my career in this shirt, in our country, comes to an end, but there is still a very important goal ahead. Argentina, I only have words of gratitude for all these years. Come on, Argentina", Otamendi wrote in a post shared on Instagram.

, behind only historic names such as Messi, Mascherano, Di María and Zanetti. Even in the final stage of his international career, his importance to the national team is clear.

At the end of the match against Zambia, Emiliano Martínez made sure to join everyone in paying tribute to Otamendi. "Nico is a reference point. If it was his last game [in Argentina], there are hardly words to thank him for everything he has given us", the Aston Villa goalkeeper told ESPN Argentina.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.