Romero dismisses Neville’s criticism as ‘stupid’ ahead of World Cup final
Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez have brushed off scrutiny from the former England international, insisting their performance on the pitch is their only necessary response.
Argentina defender Cristian Romero has described former England international Gary Neville as “stupid” for criticising his centre-back partnership with Lisandro Martinez. The comments were made in response to Neville’s assessment on the Overlap Podcast, where the pundit labelled the pair “the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world” ahead of Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England.
Both Romero and Martinez were booked during the tense semi-final in Atlanta, a match in which they helped limit England to just two shots on target. Despite the booking, the duo played a pivotal role in Argentina overturning a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory and reach the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.
Romero, who has earned 57 caps for his country, told DSports that he hopes to avoid such criticism in his own future. “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,” the Tottenham defender said. He emphasised that the defenders are focused on their national team duties, noting that while results may fluctuate, they remain committed to making history.
Lisandro Martinez, who plays for Manchester United, echoed this sentiment, stating that the pair are accustomed to external commentary. “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,” Martinez said. The two defenders have started all but one of Argentina’s World Cup games this summer, keeping two clean sheets in six matches when both have been on the field.
Neville, a former Manchester United full-back who won 85 caps for England and currently works for ITV and Sky, had argued that the pair “give a goal away between them every single game.” However, he acknowledged their individual brilliance, describing their performances as ranging from “sublime to the ridiculous.” Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, now prepare for the final under manager Lionel Scaloni, while England will play France in the third-place match on Saturday.
