Nicolas Otamendi’s last match in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers did not go as expected. Acting as captain in Lionel Messi’s absence during the game against Ecuador, Otamendi was sent off after 30 minutes.
The Benfica defender received a red card for fouling Enner Valencia as the Ecuadorian player advanced towards the goal. This marked Otamendi’s first red card with the national team and could mean he misses Argentina’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
After Argentina’s 1-0 loss, Otamendi expressed his thoughts on Instagram. “This was my first red card with this team; it wasn’t my night. However, I feel proud of the hard work, dedication, and joy we showed during the Qualifiers. To succeed, you have to enjoy and represent this jersey well.”
He also spoke about his national team career, indicating that this match marked the end of his World Cup Qualifiers journey. “I’m proud of this team today, tomorrow, and always. Let’s go, Argentina. This was my final chapter in the Qualifiers, thank you for all the support,” he added.
Referee Wilmar Roldan shows a red card to Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina against Ecuador. (Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)
Otamendi ranks fifth in Argentina appearances
In the match on September 9 in Guayaquil, Otamendi made his 128th appearance for the Argentina senior team. He is now fifth on the all-time appearances list, following Javier Zanetti (143), Angel Di Maria (145), Javier Mascherano (147), and Lionel Messi (194).
Otamendi debuted for Argentina in 2009 during a friendly against Panama under coach Diego Maradona and has been a consistent member of the national team since then. The former Manchester City defender was part of the team that lost in the 2014 World Cup final and in the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016.
Later, he played a significant role in Argentina’s success, contributing to their wins in the Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and two Copa America titles alongside Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.
What’s next for Argentina in 2025
Argentina has remaining matches scheduled for 2025. In October, they will play against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in the United States, followed by friendlies against Angola and India in November.
On December 5, they will attend the FIFA World Cup draw in Washington to determine their group stage opponents and potential knockout round paths, beginning with the Round of 32 in this edition.