Lionel Scaloni has called up trusted lieutenant Nicolas Otamendi for the upcoming Copa America 2024. Otamendi, currently plying his trade for Benfica was exceptional in the finale of World Cup 2022. But at 36, there is a chance that this could be the last outing at the international level for the former Manchester City star. Surprisingly, despite a decade of soccer excellence, the defender has managed to keep his personal life under wraps. As such, in this piece, we will be diving into the familial background of the veteran center-back.

Meet Celeste Ray, wife of Argentina star Nicolas Otamendi

Like Nicolas Otamendi, Celeste too hails from Argentina and at 37, is a year older than him. While her husband enjoys the spotlight, Celeste prefers to keep a low profile. Nothing much is known about her family or occupation. She does have an Instagram which has been set to private mode.

Nicolas Otamendi has known Celeste Ray for a long time back, some reports even saying they were childhood friends. It is not yet known when the pair officially confirmed their relationship. In 2012, they welcomed their daughter Mia into the world and 3 years later Celeste gave birth to their son Valentin.

It was June 2017 when the lovebirds decided to tie the knot. At the time, Argentina was preparing for a friendly match against Singapore and the defender had to miss out. Notably, Lionel Messi also missed the match for his wedding.

In 2018, the couple once again became parents as daughter Sienna was born. Nicolas Otamendi regularly gives updates on his family via Instagram. Also, Celeste and the children are regularly spotted attending the Argentine star’s games. In fact, Celeste was in Qatar in 2022 to support her husband as he competed in the grueling World Cup. It seems her presence was indeed a lucky charm for the Benfica man.

While madly in love, not everything has been smooth sailing for the couple. In 2021, Nicolas Otamendi’s family endured a harrowing incident that left them scarred for good.

Otamendi and his family were subjected to a violent assault

In December 2021, after a match against Famalicao, Nicolas Otamendi returned to his home not knowing the horror that awaited him. As he entered the house, four assailants attacked him. After this, they forced him to open a door where Celeste and the kids were being held. Trapped by a belt, the defender was hopeless as his loved ones panicked in front of him.

Fortunately, no one got hurt in the incident. The robbers have reportedly left with over $250k worth of watches, jewelry and cash. Although nothing has emerged of the culprits since perhaps Nicolas Otamendi and his family would prefer to leave the incident behind altogether.