Eternal Otamendi: Benfica captain leaves Argentina with a rout | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi experienced a highly emotional night 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 fans and even got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, a chance handed to him by Messi. Gianluca Prestianni, who had been called up by Lionel Scaloni, did not come off the bench and therefore failed to play any minutes 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 in front. 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 came a real moment of camaraderie. Around the 50th minute, Argentina won a penalty and Messi invited Otamendi to take it, with the Benfica defender making no mistake and putting his team 3-0 up, sealing an unforgettable farewell.

Before the end of the match, Scaloni’s side added two more goals, stretching the scoreline 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.