Nicolas Otamendi targeted his former club team-mate Rodri following a chaotic end to the showpiece event in New York. The Argentina centre-back felt the Spanish squad spent the build-up deliberately applying pressure on the officials, suggesting these complaints directly contributed to their heartbreaking extra-time defeat.

The fiery Champions League encounter between Benfica and Real Madrid has sparked a war of words off the pitch, with former Los Blancos midfielder Wesley Sneijder leading the charge. The Dutch legend did not hold back in his assessment of Nicolas Otamendi’s behaviour during the clash at the Estádio da Luz, where the veteran defender was seen taunting Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior following a heated exchange on the field. The tension reached boiling point during a stoppage related to the competition's racism protocol, during which Otamendi chose to flex his ink in the face of the Real Madrid winger. The former Manchester City man pointed specifically to his tattoos commemorating Argentina's recent triumphs, including the 2022 World Cup, the Finalissima, and the Copa America, in an apparent attempt to pull rank over the young Brazilian regarding international honours.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, approximately 200 furious Benfica fans stormed the club's training ground in Seixal on Saturday morning to protest a string of disappointing results. The disgruntled supporters confronted manager Jose Mourinho, as well as star defender Nicolas Otamendi and technical director Simao Sabrosa, demanding answers for the team's poor progress this season.

Nicolas Otamendi has confirmed his retirement from international football and says a decision on his club career will be made soon.