It is Nicolas Otamendi, as FIFA announced that the Benfica defender has been handed a one-match suspension for “denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent” (Article 14.1.a) after being sent off in the qualifying match against Ecuador.

The bad news for Argentina is that Otamendi’s suspension cannot be served during friendly matches, even those that are part of the official calendar. This means the defender will be eligible to play in Argentina’s upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

According to Article 10 of FIFA’s regulations, only accumulated yellow cards from the qualifiers are cleared before the World Cup, while suspensions resulting from red cards carry over into the tournament.

Could Otamendi serve his suspension in the Finalissima?

If Argentina and Spain eventually face each other in the Finalissima — the one-off match between the Copa America and Euro champions, which could be scheduled for March next year — Otamendi would still not be able to serve his suspension there.

This is because the tournament, while recognized by FIFA, is organized jointly by CONMEBOL and UEFA and does not belong to the same competition system as the World Cup Qualifiers or the World Cup itself.

Otamendi isn’t the only player set to miss the 2026 World Cup opener

As a result of the same World Cup Qualifier between Ecuador and Argentina, FIFA also confirmed that Moises Caicedo will miss his team’s 2026 World Cup debut. The Chelsea midfielder was sent off in the same match in which Otamendi received his red card.

The Benfica defender fouled Enner Valencia as the Ecuadorian forward broke toward goal, earning Otamendi his first-ever red card with Argentina. The suspension could also see him miss Argentina’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Hours after Argentina’s 1-0 loss, Otamendi took to Instagram to share his thoughts. “It was the first one with this jersey, it wasn’t the night. But I take pride in the Qualifiers we played with hard work, dedication, and joy above all else. To succeed, you have to come and enjoy, and know how to represent this jersey,” Otamendi wrote.

He also reflected on his time with the national team and confirmed that the match marked the end of his World Cup Qualifiers career. “Proud of this group today, tomorrow, and always. Let’s go, Argentina. This was my final chapter in the Qualifiers, thank you for all the support,” he concluded.

Otamendi ranks fifth in Argentina appearances

During the September 9 match in Guayaquil, Otamendi made his 128th appearance for Argentina’s senior team. He now ranks fifth on the all-time appearances list, behind Javier Zanetti (143), Angel Di Maria (145), Javier Mascherano (147), and Lionel Messi (194).

Otamendi made his debut for Argentina in 2009 during a friendly against Panama under coach Diego Maradona, and he has been a mainstay in the national team ever since. The former Manchester City defender was part of the squad that fell short in the 2014 World Cup final and lost back-to-back Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016.

However, he later played a key role in Argentina’s resurgence, helping the team achieve redemption alongside Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria by winning the Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and two Copa America titles.

What’s next for Argentina in 2025

Argentina still have fixtures remaining in 2025. In October, they will face Venezuela and Puerto Rico in the United States, followed by friendlies against Angola and India in November.

On December 5, they will watch the FIFA World Cup draw in Washington to learn their group stage opponents and potential knockout round paths, which will start with the Round of 32 in this edition.

31 minutes into the Matchday 18 fixture in Guayaquil, the veteran center back was sent off for a foul on Enner Valencia, as he was the last man from the Argentine national team during an Ecuador counter attack.

The straight red card means Otamendi will have to serve a one-match suspension in the next game corresponding to a FIFA tournament. That fixture would come at the upcoming World Cup, to be held in North America with the United States, Mexico, and Canada acting as co-hosts. Unless Argentina play the Finalissima against Spain in March 2026 and the governing body considers it official. That would be the only way for Otamendi to serve his ban before the World Cup.

Otamendi reaching the end of an era with Argentina

Just like Messi, Otamendi is reaching the final stage of his international career, with the 2026 World Cup emerging as his possible last dance with La Albiceleste. In fact, the defender said the 3-0 win against Venezuela on Matchday 17 was his last home game in a World Cup Qualifier—just like Leo.

At 37, Otamendi continues to be in Lionel Scaloni’s consideration on the national team. It makes sense, since he continues to play at a high level with Portuguese giants Benfica, apart from being a key contributor to Argentina‘s success in recent years.

Part of a generation of players who endured critics in their country before finding redemption—including Messi—Otamendi played an instrumental role in Argentina’s 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas, 2022 Finalissima, and most notably, 2022 World Cup title.

Otamendi has been part of the journey towards the 2026 World Cup as well, with Argentina comfortably securing qualification to try and go back-to-back. However, only time will tell us whether Scaloni still calls him up knowing that the defender may be unavailable for, at least, the group stage opener.

Furthermore, Nicolas Otamendi knew perfectly well how Lionel Messi felt about giving Argentina a title after a drought of 36 years in the World Cup and 28 years in any international competition. Otamendi was there in the final at South Africa in 2010, the disappointment against France in 2018 and, of course, in three editions atCopa America in which Messi almost touched glory.

So, Nicolas Otamendi lived the pain and the success. When the tide turned, the defender helped Lionel Messi to win the Copa America in 2021, the Finalissima and the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Otamendi doesn’t forget the entire road together and honored Messi with a wonderful tattoo.

Nicolas Otamendi gets a tattoo dedicated to Lionel Messi

Nicolas Otamendi unveiled the spectacular tattoo in a very emotional video. The clip shows the entire making process accompanied by one of the most emblematic songs for Argentina during the World Cup: Arrancármelo by Wos. The title for the tattoo: Gloria Eterna (Eternal Glory).

The tattoo is composed by the image of Lionel Messi touching and kissing the World Cup trophy after defeating France in the final at Qatar. There can also be seen also three words in Spanish: ilusión, convicción, ambición (illusion, conviction and ambition).

Alongside the image if Lionel Messi, the tattoo has the three trophies won by Argentina in a span of only one year: Copa America, Finalissima and the World Cup. It can be read: “Cómo van a convencerme que la magia no existe (How are you gonna convince me magic doesn’t exist).” And, of course, the historic date: 18-12-22.

According to a report from Correio deManha, the Argentina international center-back was met by four intruders when he returned to Lisbonand was assaulted before they robbed jewellery and money from him.

Otamendi has reportedly been put a belt around his neck during the crime while his wife Michele and their son were kept in another room of the house, where the former Manchester City player was eventually taken to as well.

Nicolas Otamendi suffers robbery and assault at his Lisbon home

Four intruders were allegedly at Otamendi’s property in Lisbon when he returned from Famalicao andattacked him,puta belt around his neck before stealing watches and money.

Benfica have confirmed the 33-year-old, 2021 Copa America winning defender was victim of robbery in the early hours of Monday. “Sport Lisboa e Benfica confirms that their player Nico Otamendi was the victim of a robbery at his home during the early hours of today,“ a club statement read.

“The athlete and the family are doing well, despite the enormous discomfort caused by the situation they are experiencing. Sport Lisboa e Benfica calls for the privacy of the player and his family to be respected by all the media, while awaiting the conduct of investigations initiated by the authorities.”