Otamendi's Argentina farewell rings alarm bells at Benfica | OneFootball

In recent hours, after Nicolás Otamendi revealed that he would end his international career, some doubts have begun to arise about the Argentine's continuity with Benfica next season. The number 30 renewed this year, however, his continuity is uncertain due to his age.

Starting in the match against Venezuela, the last he will play at home, just like Lionel Messi, the two Argentinians will still be available for the 2026 World Cup. However, the fact that the tournament will take place after the end of his contract with the Club da Luz raises the question of whether the Eagles will proceed with the continuity of the center-back, who will be 38 years old at that time.

The same source states that due to his strong presence as a group leader, the Eagles made a good decision to renew with the defender, in order to tackle the 2025/26 season.

After the South American qualification ended, Otamendi still wants to participate in the preparation friendlies, so he can bid farewell to fans worldwide. However, this decision by the Benfica captain is not 100% aligned with the Eagles, who want him to play only one match for the Albiceleste in October.

This season, wearing only the Benfica jersey, Nicolás Otamendi - valued at 1 million euros - has played eight matches: four in the Champions League, three in the Liga Portugal Betclic, and one in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. In the 720 minutes he was on the pitch, the Argentine international performed at a high level.

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