Eternal Otamendi: Benfica captain bids Argentina farewell in rout | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi experienced a highly emotional night while on international duty. In the early hours of April 1, the Benfica captain played his final match on Argentine soil with the Albiceleste, marking his farewell, just like Lionel Messi, with a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia.

The Eagles’ number 30 started for the national team in his farewell to the Argentine crowd and also got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, a chance gifted to him by Messi. Gianluca Prestianni, who had been called up by Lionel Scaloni, remained on the bench and ended up not playing a single minute during this international break.

Argentina’s rout began early, still in the first half. Just four minutes into the match, Julián Álvarez opened the scoring, putting the world champions ahead. Shortly before half-time, it was Lionel Messi’s turn to find the net, extending the Albiceleste’s lead to 2-0.

In the second half, there was a true moment of camaraderie. Around the 50th minute, Argentina were awarded a penalty and Messi asked Otamendi to take it, with the Benfica defender making no mistake to put his side 3-0 up, sealing an unforgettable farewell.

Before the end of the match, Scaloni’s side still managed to score two more goals, stretching the lead even further. Dominic Chanda, into his own net, scored the own goal that allowed the home side to make it 4-0. Then, in stoppage time, Valentín Barco wrapped up the scoring at 5-0.

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