Scaloni says Nicolás Otamendi will feature against Zambia and deserves to play | OneFootball

Lionel Scaloni says Benfica captain Nicolás Otamendi will play against Zambia at the Bombonera, after the defender confirmed he will retire from Argentina duty at the end of the 2026 World Cup, so the early-hours match on Wednesday could be his last for his country.

According to Glorioso 1904, Scaloni explained Otamendi missed the first friendly with Mauritania, 2-1, due to discomfort, but added he will be involved against Zambia and that he deserves a final outing in Argentina.

He stopped short of confirming a start, indicating only that the Benfica No 30 will feature in some capacity.

Otamendi has been sidelined for three weeks, his last appearance coming in the 2-2 with Porto at the Estádio da Luz in the league. He also sat out matches against Arouca, 2-1, and V. Guimarães, 3-0, under José Mourinho.

Scaloni says the centre-back is now fully fit, having taken part in a joint session with Argentina’s under-20s.

This season for Benfica he has made 43 appearances, 24 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Champions League, two in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça, totalling 3,809 minutes and three goals.

Source: Glorioso 1904