Otamendi sets exit date after Argentina v Venezuela, Benfica captain decides | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi played his last game on Argentine soil for the National Team in the early hours of Friday, September 5th. The assurance was given by the Benfica captain, after the Argentina – Venezuela match, which was marked by Lionel Messi's farewell, in a game where he scored two goals.

“If there are no official games in Argentina, it was also my last game. I enjoyed it a lot. Happy because I wanted to finish this way. My family was here. Very happy,” said Nicolás Otamendi, who, at 38, is preparing to represent the national team in the 2026 World Cup.

Regarding Lionel Messi's farewell, the Benfica captain did not hide his emotion: “Obviously Leo [Messi] deserves everything. He is the best player in history, by far. It was necessary to end this way. There were many children. Very happy for everyone to enjoy this moment.”

“It is an emotion to play on this field, with our fans. The qualifiers are complicated, but we have a very good group, with players who handle the ball very well. Very happy,” concluded Nicolás Otamendi, who, despite his age, continues to be an undisputed starter for Benfica and Argentina.

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

Check out Nicolás Otamendi's statements after the Argentina - Venezuela match:

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