Cristian Romero’s two-goal performance against England in Atlanta did more than secure Argentina’s place in a second successive World Cup final. It also delivered a pointed response to Gary Neville, whose pre-match dismissal of the Argentine centre-back pairing as “the best, worst in the world” now looks misjudged.
Romero’s retort lands after Argentina’s semi-final win
Hours after Argentina edged past England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, Romero used his post-match interview to address Neville’s criticism. Speaking to DSports, the Tottenham defender said he hoped never to be “that stupid” when he retires, adding that criticism of players who give their all for their country is misplaced. His remarks came after he and Lisandro Martínez—despite yellow cards—formed the backbone of a resolute defence that kept England at bay. The duo have now started all but one of Argentina’s matches this summer, including the 2024 Copa América final victory over Colombia, and their partnership is central to the Albiceleste’s historic run to the final.
Neville’s verdict undone by the evidence
Neville’s pre-tie assessment framed Romero and Martínez as erratic in club football but unstoppable for Argentina. “They seem to give a goal away between them every single game,” he said on The Overlap, “but you watch them for Argentina, they are scoring goals, heading the ball, they’re literally everywhere.” The semi-final showed why that club-based scepticism no longer holds. While Martínez collected a yellow card, Romero marshalled the backline with composure under pressure. Their combined errors did not materialise into goals conceded, and Argentina’s defence remained solid enough to withstand England’s attacks. The result in Atlanta has now forced a rethink on how their club and international form are weighed against each other.
Argentina’s march to a second straight final
Romero’s swipe at Neville is a footnote to a larger narrative: Argentina are one win away from back-to-back World Cup finals. The semi-final triumph over England, sealed by two second-half goals, extends a summer in which the Albiceleste have navigated tight contests and emerged victorious. Their path included the Copa América title and now a World Cup final showdown with Spain, a fixture that will decide whether Lionel Scaloni’s side can defend their global crown. The team’s cohesion, built around a spine that includes Romero and Martínez, has been the foundation of this run. Whether the final delivers another trophy will matter more than any pundit’s take—but the semi-final has already answered one question definitively.
What comes next is a final in which Argentina will need the same defensive resolve that saw them past England. Romero’s message to Neville suggests he is focused on the task ahead, not past debates. If the Albiceleste lift the trophy in the coming days, the centre-back pairing will have the last word.
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