Argentina's Romero Insults Gary Neville After World Cup Semi-Final Win
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, former England player Gary Neville criticized Argentina's center-back duo Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez as the "best-worst" pairing. Argentine coach Néstor Gorosito insulted Neville in response. After Argentina defeated England 2-1, Romero mocked Neville, saying he hopes not to be "that stupid" when retired. The exchange highlights the historic football rivalry, with police preparing for potential unrest.
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Cristian Romero Responds Sharply to Gary Neville's Criticism After Argentina's World Cup Semi-Final Win
After Argentina defeated England 2-1 to qualify for the 2026 World Cup final, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero fired back at former England international Gary Neville. Neville had criticized the Argentine central defensive pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez before the semi-final, calling it 'the best and worst in the world.' Romero responded with irony, saying, 'The only thing I hope is that I won't be as stupid when I retire. I hope I won't criticize any player. We do our best for our national team.' His teammate Lisandro Martinez also reacted, stating, 'We're used to people talking about us. We respond on the pitch, that's all.' The two Argentinians will now attempt to win a second consecutive world title against Spain in the final.
Romero Hits Back at Neville: 'I Hope I'm Not This Stupid When I Retire' After Argentina Reaches World Cup Final
After Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, Argentine defender Cristian Romero responded sharply to criticism from former Manchester United and England defender turned pundit Gary Neville. Neville had described Romero and Lisandro Martinez as 'the best and worst central defensive partnership in the world,' suggesting they look like conceding every match. Romero told DSports he hopes he won't be 'this stupid' when he retires and won't criticize players who give their best for their national team. Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez also responded, saying they are used to criticism and respond on the pitch with respect. Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in New York.
Argentina's Cristian Romero slams Gary Neville after World Cup semi-final win over England
Argentina and Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero criticized former England international Gary Neville for pre-match comments about Argentina's center-back pairing. After Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, Romero stated in a post-match interview with DSports that he hopes he does not become 'as stupid' as Neville when he retires. Neville had called Romero and Lisandro Martinez the 'best, worst centre-half pairing in the world,' acknowledging their brilliance but also their inconsistency. Romero and Martinez were key members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning defense and have been instrumental in the 2026 campaign. Argentina advanced to the final against Spain. The article was originally published on HITC and syndicated by Yardbarker.
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Cristian Romero insults Gary Neville after Argentina's World Cup semifinal win over England
Following Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero insulted pundit Gary Neville. Neville had previously called Romero and Lisandro Martinez the 'best-worst pair of centre-backs in the world' on his podcast. After the match, Romero said he hopes he is not 'that stupid' when he retires, defending his and his teammates' efforts for Argentina. Martinez also responded, stating the squad is used to criticism and does its talking on the pitch. Argentina advanced to the final, while England suffered another semifinal exit.
Romero Slams Gary Neville After Argentina Defeats England in 2026 World Cup Final
After Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 World Cup final, Argentine center-back Cristian Romero criticized former Manchester United defender turned pundit Gary Neville. Romero expressed hope he would not be 'that stupid' when he retires, referencing Neville's commentary during the match. Romero and fellow defender Lisandro Martínez analyzed the game, with Romero taking the opportunity to mock Neville, who had been unhappy with the result. The article highlights Romero's satisfaction with 'continuing to make history' for Argentina.
Cristian Romero calls Gary Neville 'stupid' for criticizing his defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez
Argentina defender Cristian Romero has hit back at former England player-turned-pundit Gary Neville, calling him 'stupid' for describing Romero and Lisandro Martinez as 'the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world.' The criticism came ahead of Argentina's dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England in Atlanta, where both defenders were booked but helped limit England to two shots on target. Romero expressed hope that he would not be 'that stupid' when he retires, while Martinez said they respond to critics 'on the pitch, always with respect.' The pair have started all but one of Argentina's World Cup games, helping the defending champions reach their second successive final against Spain. Neville made the comments on the Overlap Podcast, noting the duo can be 'unbelievable' but also prone to errors.
Romero Responds to Neville's Criticism After Argentina Reaches World Cup Final
In a World Cup semi-final, Argentina defeated England 2-1 to advance to the final for the second consecutive time. After the match, Argentine defender Cristian Romero responded to criticism from England legend Gary Neville, who had called Romero and Lisandro Martinez 'the best and worst center-back pairing in the world.' Romero stated he hopes he won't be as 'foolish' as Neville when he retires, emphasizing that all players give their all for their national teams. Lisandro Martinez also addressed the doubts, saying they are used to criticism and respond on the pitch with respect. The duo has been a key center-back pairing for Argentina, including in the 2024 Copa America final victory over Colombia.
Argentina Coach Insults England's Gary Neville Ahead of World Cup Semi-Final
Tensions are high ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta. The verbal clash began when former England international Gary Neville criticized Argentina's center-back duo Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez on his YouTube show, calling them the 'best-worst center-back duo in the world' due to inconsistent performances. Argentine former national player and current San Lorenzo coach Néstor Gorosito responded angrily on ESPN, insulting Neville by calling him a 'wooden leg' and claiming his only skill was taking throw-ins. Gorosito, known for his offensive remarks, dismissed Neville's overall football ability. The exchange highlights the historic rivalry between the two nations, which extends beyond football, as police in Atlanta prepare for potential unrest during the match.