Argentina defender Cristian Romero has branded Gary Neville “stupid” after the former England international questioned his centre-back partnership with Lisandro Martinez during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Tottenham defender responded after Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta, where the reigning champions came from behind with two late goals to book their place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
Before the match, Neville described Romero and Martinez as “the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world”, suggesting the duo were capable of brilliance but equally prone to costly mistakes.
Despite both defenders picking up yellow cards in the heated encounter, Argentina restricted England to just two shots on target as Lionel Scaloni’s side secured a second consecutive World Cup final appearance.
Romero, who has been one of Argentina’s standout performers throughout the tournament, did not hold back when asked about Neville’s remarks.
“The only thing that I hope for is that when I retire, I am not that stupid,” Romero told DSports.
“Hopefully I won’t criticise a player or anyone 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 Lisandro Martinez also dismissed the criticism, insisting the pair prefer to let their performances do the talking.
“We’re used to people always talking about us,” Martinez said.
“It seems like they like doing it, and we respond on the pitch, that’s it, always with respect.”
Romero and Martinez, both 28, have formed the backbone of Argentina’s defence throughout the tournament, starting together in five of the six World Cup matches. They have helped the Albiceleste keep two clean sheets while conceding just six goals on their road to the final.
Neville, speaking on The Overlap Podcast before the semi-final, had praised the pair’s aggression but questioned their consistency.
“They seem to give a goal away between them every single game,” Neville said.
“But you watch them, they are scoring goals, heading the ball, they’re literally everywhere – it’s incredible.
“I call them the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world. Because they absolutely at times can be unbelievable, but the next, it’s the sublime to the ridiculous.”
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final as they chase a fourth world title, while England meet France in the third-place playoff.
