News about Nicolas Otamendi

On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers welcomed Argentina's soccer team as the World Cup champions, who are still without Lionel Messi, watched some NBA action. The reigning world champions are gearing up for the Copa America this summer, which is expected to take place across the United States. On Friday night, Lionel Scaloni's team defeated El Salvador 3-0 in a friendly in Philadelphia, and the team will travel to Costa Rica at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Tuesday.

STEPHEN McGOWAN: Benfica came from behind twice to earn a draw in their Europa League match against Rangers on Thursday night. Through Tom Lawrence, the hosts had taken the lead before Angel Di Maria levelled from the penalty spot right before the break. Rangers regained control through Dujon Sterling and appeared to have wrapped up the victory if it wasn't for a Connor Goldson own-goal in the 67th minute.

In an interview with MARCA, the Benfica midfielder has been asked to reflect on some of the greatest players he has played with - and torn opposition teams apart. The artistic legend's career is coming to an end, with plans to retire from international football after the Copa America in the summer.

Benfica beat RB Salzburg on Tuesday and Angel Di Maria netted directly from a corner as Benfica kept their European hopes alive. The Argentine forward whipped an inswing corner towards Orkun Kokcu at the front post, with his team needing a win to jumpfrog Salzburg into Group D's Europa League spot. Despite the Turkish midfielder's inability to make contact with the cross, the ball rolled over goalkeeper Alexander Schlager to As Aguias, who gave As Aguias the lead.

Argentina's win over Brazil has been likened to that of "watching porn." Mac Allister was part of Argentina's 1-0 victory over Brazil in a fiery confrontation. When asked what the win was like, the 24-year-old replied, 'porn'. Nicolas Otamendi scored his only goal of the game for Argentina, with Brazil's Joelinton suspended.

When Argentina barely defeated Brazil 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of Wednesday morning, one of the world's most fierce rivalries descended into chaos (GMT). In the 63rd minute, former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi netted the World Cup champions after he came from a corner. Brazil lost their first ever home World Cup qualifying loss and their third straight loss under Fernando Diniz's reign.

Emiliano Martinez attempted to deter a police officer wielding a baton against Argentina supporters during the Albiceleste's World Cup qualifier against Brazil, despite crowds. On Tuesday night, a mass brawl broke out in the Maracana stands, ahead of Argentina's 1-0 win over Brazil, sparking the game to be postponed by almost 30 minutes. Following the national anthems, police officers charged the visiting supporters in an attempt to restore order, leaving some bloodshed as a result.

BRAZIL 0-1 ARGENTINA (Britiz): Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring in the 63rd minute with a thumping header from a Giovanni Lo Celso corner to take the lead after a tumultuous start due to a lack of support in the stands. This rivalry between two of football's oldest adversaries began in a very dramatic manner, with play being postponed for about 29 minutes after trouble broke out in the crowd. Fans were seen yelling seats at one another as Brazilian police swarmed in with batons to help try and calm down before Argentina players left the field and returned to their dressing room.

Following his latest injury problems, Lionel Messi confessed to being afraid to return to international service with Argentina. For the first time since suffering a muscular injury during the last international break last month, the World Cup champion returned to action for La Albiceleste on Thursday. Argentina won by a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay thanks to Nicolas Otamendi's third-minute strike and continued its flawless qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup in North America on Thursday night.

Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 on Thursday, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench for Argentina. Messi, whose MLS season comes to an end next weekend, with Inter Miami eliminated from playoff contention, will play in the 53rd minute for Julian Alvarez. In the third minute, Nicolas Otamendi scored the lone goal for the favorites.

After moving from Rosario Central in his homeland, the Argentinae playmaker played for the Eagles between 2007 and 2010. It comes after the 35-year-old spent a year with Juventus, but decided not to renew his expensive contract in June. In a ceremony held by the Eusebio statue outside Benfica's historic Estadio da Luz in Lisbon today, the 2022 World Cup champion will be named.

Martinez was a key member of Argentina's national team, playing every minute, a feat only Victor and Nicolas Otamendi could have achieved afortanically as they claimed their third World Cup title, the country's first since 1986. His exploits in two penalty shootout victories, first over Holland and then over France in the final, gained him plenty of plaudits and contributed to him being awarded the Golden Glove at the conclusion of the final

Nicolas Otamendi of Benfica could return to La Liga with both Sevilla and Atletico Madrid keen on him. During Argentina's recent World Cup triumph, Otamendi was a central figure. He played 690 minutes in Qatar, the joint most with Josko Gvardiol and Lionel Messi, and he was a key figure at the back. Since leaving Manchester City, the 34-year-old has spent the past two years at Benfica, with the Eagles now undefeated and eight points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga after 13 games.

Argentina's squad wasted no time in starting their celebrations after winning their third World Cup title in a dramatic way on Sunday in a penalty shoot-out, with the jubilation lasting well into the night. However, for defensive duo Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, there is only one way to win what is certainly the highest honour in professional football - wearing a pair of sunglasses and playing a 6am FIFA game. Emiliano Martinez, a shoot-out hero, posted a video of the two men – in which he states that it is 6 a.m. - as the team's festivities began - with drums and a cymbal onboard their plane before heading home for Buenos Aires on Monday.

After Argentina's World Cup victory on Sunday, Rodrigo de Paul delivered an eliating rebuke to his doubters, advising them to'suck my d***'. The midfielder had been chastised early in the tournament for his occasional wayward passing, but his results throughout the tournament made him a key cog in the knockout rounds. In the final, the Atletico Madrid star spent 103 minutes in an important anchoring role before being subbed off as Argentina won a thrilling game on penalties.

Sergio Aguero, a former Argentina national team veteran, has continued his support for the Argentina national team by enrolling in preparations ahead of their World Cup final with France. Aguero, 34, has appeared on television throughout the tournament in favor of the national team, and after winning in quarter-finals over Holland, the country was even seen getting into a tense debate. Now, the former Manchester City striker has demonstrated his allegiance by getting involved in preparations ahead of his last game in Qatar and a thumping attack in preparation.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has defended his team after being chastised following their World Cup quarter-final victory over Holland. Following their penalty shoot-out victory, the South American nation advanced to the semi-finals in a tumultuous competition that culminated in horrific scenes. Argentina players screamed at their disconsolate Dutch counterparts as they raced away to celebrate qualifying for the next round after Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive spot-kick.

IAN HERBERT: Nicolas Otamendi and Leandro Paredes, Argentina's players, will avoid any FIFA punishment for mocking Netherlands players for missing the penalty shootout, which determined their World Cup quarterfinal position. The two were the prime offenders in a disgraceful scene following what has become one of the most combustible fixtures in world football. FIFA announced on Saturday that it had opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinaian FA, eight of whom players had yellow cards, according to FIFA. However, this does not mean that the merry celebrations would not bring censure. Neither will Argentinian goalkeeper Emi Martinez's argument that the Spanish referee was biased in favor of the Dutch.

Under the Friday night lights, Holland and Argentina face each other in the second round of the World Cup in what promises to be an engrossing competition. Louis van Gaal's Dutch side has been more effective and efficient than eye-catching so far in the tournament, but they remain undefeated. Argentina was victims of a massive World Cup shock when losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in their first group game, but the team bounced back to top Group C after beating Mexico and Poland.

Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup knockout goal in his 1000th game against Australia in Argentina's Round of 16 World Cup qualifying games. Messi led them on with a moment of magic after a lackluster 35 minutes from Argentina. Nicolas Otamendi's poor touch landed at the feet of the PSG legend, who threw the ball into the far corner for his first shot of the game, putting the team up 1-0. Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup knockout goal in his 1000th career game against Australia

When Poland and Argentina meet in their last game of Group C in the World Cup, they will battle it out for a last-16 spot. Argentina is coming back from a humiliating surprise loss to Saudi Arabia after beating Mexico 2-0 to get back to their resurgent form. Poland is currently ranked fourth in the group with four points going into the match, after losing 2-0 to Saudi Arabia in their previous match after a draw with Mexico. With the match coming, Sportsmail takes you through everything you need to hear about below.

Otamendi, a Benfica defender, was a surprise inclusion ahead of their first clash against Saudi Arabia, particularly with Martinez being left on the bench. Martinez, who has ten caps, has impressed since his move from Ajax to United in the summer, his first appearance on Erik ten Hag's team has been impressive. Scaloni had intended to be at the forefront of Argentina's defense, but instead, the 24-year-old was brought aboard for former Manchester City defender Otamendi and Tottenham's Cristian Romero in central defense. During Argentina's 36-match undefeated run into the major tournament, Otamendi has been a regular, so it shouldn't surprise. Scaloni's fans, on the other hand, have taken to social media to slammed him for choosing the Otamendi over Martinez.

After being ruled out the start of a World Cup by Argentina, they have calmed fears of a knockout to Lionel Messi just two days before the World Cup begins. Messi is Argentina's talisman, and with the world's media covering him during Friday's training, there was fear when he did not appear. However, Messi started the session in the gym, away from the main group, with Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Angel Di Mara, and Nicolas Otamendi, before joining the rest of the team after the media were out.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is just days away, with the first-ever winter edition of the tournament drawing ever closer. Qatar will launch proceedings against Ecuador on November 20 in the United Kingdom, while England's campaign against Iran will continue the following day. Following their triumph in Russia four years ago, holders France, as well as Brazil, are once more among the favorites.