Di María sends message of support to Otamendi following tough moment at Benfica

After a rollercoaster week with the Argentine national team, announcing his retirement post-World Cup and then being sent off against Ecuador while wearing the captain's armband, Nicolás Otamendi experienced both highs and lows in Benfica's draw with Santa Clara.

The center-back was instrumental in the Eagles' goal, forcing a tough save from Gabriel Batista that Pavlidis then tapped in. However, a crucial error in the 90+2nd minute allowed Vinícius Lopes to equalize for Santa Clara.

Watching all this unfold, even from afar in Argentina, was Ángel Di María, who keeps a close eye on his friend and compatriot, and naturally, on Benfica, despite now playing for Rosario Central.

"Let's go, captain," Di María wrote in a comment on Benfica's official Instagram post, via Sportal, which also aimed to support the 37-year-old defender.

"Otamendi had apologised to the fans and taken responsibility for the draw after the match. Benfica's post read, "Always together, captain."

In other news, Argentinian star Angel Di Maria returns to the club where it all began after 18 years playing in Europe.