Nicolas Otamendi paid an emotional tribute to his longtime captain Lionel Messi after the pair concluded their storied international careers together. In a heartfelt message, the 38-year-old defender stated, “If this day was already special, sharing it with Lionel Messi makes it even more unforgettable.” The two icons capped off their Argentina tenure with a 3-0 friendly win against Benin at a sold-out Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6.
The match served as a fitting farewell for the duo, who were instrumental in Argentina’s dominant run over recent years. Together, they secured the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. During the Qatar 2022 campaign, Otamendi famously played every minute of the tournament. Throughout their shared time with the national side, the pair appeared in 107 matches together, combining for three goal contributions. Otamendi, 38, and Messi, 39, were part of the Albiceleste team that won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the defender playing every minute of every game at Qat.
In their final outing, both players made a mark on the scoresheet. Otamendi, currently playing for River Plate, netted the opening goal in the second half off an assist from Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner later assisted a 61st-minute goal for Nico Paz before finding the back of the net himself via a penalty kick 19 minutes from time. Messi concluded his international career with an extraordinary record of 126 goals and 70 assists in 208 appearances, while Otamendi departs with nine goals and three assists in 140 games, spanning back to his debut against Panama in May 2009.
The legendary captain’s final performance featured typical brilliance, including a late attempt that struck the woodwork and a free-kick sent just over the bar. As the curtain falls on their international careers, the veteran pair leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, major trophies, and a deep on-field connection that defined an era for the Albiceleste.
