Otamendi joins national team, drops hint to excite River fans | OneFootball

The Benfica defender spoke after his arrival in Argentina for the FIFA date and responded about the chance to play in Coudet's team.

The defender Nicolás Otamendi arrived this Monday at the International Airport of Ezeiza to join the Argentine National Team ahead of the FIFA friendly matches against Mauritania and Zambia. Along with him, the young player Gianluca Prestianni also arrived, after his commitments with Benfica in the Primeira Liga.

Asked about the possibility of playing for the Millonario, Otamendi was cautious and left the door open without giving any definitions.

“I met Chacho, I saw him once and nothing more… I have a contract with Benfica that ends in June, I have nothing more to say,” he expressed.

However, when specifically asked if he could join the club from Núñez, he responded with a brief but suggestive: “We'll see”.

The end of his cycle with the National Team

The world champion also confirmed that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will mark the end of his era with the Albiceleste.

“After the World Cup, my cycle with the Argentine National Team closes. I already know it's my last World Cup, so when I no longer play, I'll start being just another fan,” he affirmed.

A possible return to Argentine football

If his move to River is finalized, Otamendi would return to Argentine football after 16 years, as his last club in the country was Vélez Sarsfield, where he debuted in 2009 and played 54 matches.

In 2010, he made the leap to Europe to play for Porto, where he played 125 matches, scored 10 goals, and provided 6 assists. He then had stints with:

He will miss the debut in the 2026 World Cup

On the other hand, Otamendi will not be able to play Argentina's first match in the 2026 World Cup, which will be on June 16 in Kansas City against Algeria, due to a suspension.

The defender was sent off in the match against Ecuador in the South American Qualifiers, so he will have to serve a one-match suspension in the World Cup debut.

Meanwhile, the experienced center-back is already focused on the upcoming friendly matches with the National Team, which will be the start of his final stage defending the Argentine jersey.

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