Romero calls Neville 'stupid' for criticism of Argentina defense

Argentina defender Cristian Romero has hit back at former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville, calling him 'stupid' for criticizing his center-back partnership with Lisandro Martinez ahead of the World Cup semi-final against England.

In the build-up to Argentina's dramatic 2-1 victory over England in Atlanta, Neville described Romero and Martinez as 'the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world' on the Overlap Podcast. Both defenders were booked during the feisty match but played a key role in limiting England to just two shots on target as the defending champions came from behind with late goals to reach their second successive World Cup final.

Romero's response

Speaking to DSports, the Tottenham Hotspur defender did not hold back. '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 said. '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.'

Romero added: '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.'

Martinez weighs in

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez also addressed the criticism. '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,' he said.

Both defenders, aged 28, have started all but one of Argentina's World Cup games this summer. Together, they have helped the team keep two clean sheets in six matches when starting together, with Argentina conceding six goals in those games.

Neville's original comments

Gary Neville, who earned 85 caps for England and works as a pundit for ITV and Sky Sports, made his remarks on the Overlap Podcast. '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.'

Looking ahead

Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final (20:00 BST) as they seek a fourth title. England, meanwhile, will play France in Saturday's third-place match (22:00 BST).