Angel Di Maria captained Argentina to a 2-0 win over El Salvador in their international friendly on Saturday.
The team’s captain, Lionel Messi, missed the game due to a bruised foot.
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said he decided to not play Messi after a practice on Friday, in which the striker was still showing lingering pain.
“If the player is not ready, there is not a need to put him at risk,” Martino said.
Banega scored with a 54th minute shot that deflected off defender Nestor Renderos and beat goalkeeper Derby Carrillo. Mancuello sealed the win with a free-kick from a tight angle in the 88th.
While Di Maria’s performance was not outstanding, wearing the captain’s band is expected to boost his confidence at Manchester United.
Di Maria has been a full international for Argentina since 2008. He has earned over 50 caps for his country. He scored the goal that won the country gold at the 2008 Olympics, and has also represented them at two World Cups and the 2011 Copa América.
Angel Di Maria beat off competition from the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero to win Argentina’s Player of the Year Award for 2014.
