Cristian Romero has hit out at Gary Neville, calling the former England defender “stupid” for his criticism of Argentina’s centre-back partnership.
Argentina booked their place in the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 win over England on Wednesday, courtesy of Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner in Atlanta.
Lionel Scaloni’s side were trailing until the 85th minute against England, the latest a team has been behind but gone on to win in normal time in a World Cup semi-final.
Argentina have now reached consecutive World Cup finals for the second time, previously doing so in 1986 and 1990, as they now prepare to face Spain in Sunday’s showpiece.
The 2026 final between Spain and Argentina will be the first-ever World Cup final between the reigning European champions and the reigning Copa America champions.
Prior to the semi-final, Neville called the partnership between Romero and Lisandro Martinez “the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world”.
Romero took his chance to respond to Neville after Argentina’s win, and the Tottenham defender did not mince his words.
“The only thing that I hope for is that when I retire, I am not that stupid. Hopefully I won’t criticise a player or anyone,” Romero told DSports.
¡Gracias por defender estos colores con el alma! pic.twitter.com/SlpYDC46k9
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) July 16, 2026
“Because at the end of the day, we are doing our best for our national team. Sometimes it goes right for us, sometimes badly, but we are just happy to be in a World Cup final again.
“I think we are making history, for us it is something really huge, and we feel the significance of this shirt like no-one else.
Manchester United defender Martinez added: “We’re used to people always talking about us.
“It seems like they like doing it, and we respond on the pitch, that’s it, always with respect.”
