Otamendi: I will officially withdraw from the national team after the World Cup, and I have one year contract with Benfica

September 11 News Recently, Argentine central defender Otamendi accepted an interview with Telefe, confirming that he will officially withdraw from the national team after the World Cup.

Otamendi announced after Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela, which will be his last time to play side by side with Messi at home. However, in the match against Ecuador, he was sent off with a red card early, resulting in the team losing 0-1. According to head coach Scaloni, Otamendi may miss the first game of the 2026 World Cup. By then, he will also put an end to his national team career.

Otamendi said: "This will be my last event in the national team. Every time I wear the national team jersey, I try my best to do my best." Since his first appearance for the national team in May 2009, he has played 128 times for Argentina.

Otamendi reviewed his career: "It took me a long time to get into the first team, and then the national team. My family taught me that everything in life requires effort, and you have to do your best every day like a warrior. If things don't go well, keep trying the next day."

Otamendi realizes that he is writing the final chapter of his football career, and he says he will end his national team career after the World Cup, and the future at the club level has not yet been determined. Despite rumors that he would join the River Plate, he denied these statements: "I have never talked to Marcelo Galado and have no chance to communicate with him."

Regarding his situation in Benfica, Otamendi said he would stay for a while, leaving a hint of suspense: "I have a one-year contract with Benfica, and after the World Cup I will decide what to do next."

Finally, he expressed his love for the River Plate in one sentence: "My whole family is a River Plate fan."