Argentina defender Cristian Romero has branded Gary Neville "stupid" after the former England international criticised his centre-back partnership with Lisandro Martinez ahead of the World Cup semi-final.
Neville described Romero and Martinez as "the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world" before Argentina's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in Atlanta.
Despite both defenders receiving yellow cards in a fiercely contested semifinal, the duo helped limit England to just two shots on target as Lionel Scaloni's side overturned Anthony Gordon's opener with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to secure a second consecutive World Cup final appearance.
Responding to Neville's remarks, Tottenham defender Romero did not hold back.
"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. 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 Argentina prefer to answer their critics on the pitch.
"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."
The experienced defensive pairing, both 28, have started five of Argentina's six matches at the 2026 World Cup, helping the reigning champions reach another final. Together, they have contributed to two clean sheets while Argentina have conceded six goals across those matches.
Neville, who earned 85 England caps and works as a pundit for ITV and Sky Sports, made his assessment during 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 at times they can be unbelievable, but the next it's the sublime to the ridiculous."
Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final as they chase a fourth world title, while England meet France in Saturday's third-place playoff.
