Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez hit back at 'stupid' Gary Neville criticism after Argentina reach back-to-back World Cup finals

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero hit back at criticism levelled by Gary Neville ahead of Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, calling the comments "stupid".

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Former England defender Neville called Romero's partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Argentina's defence "the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world".

On Wednesday, they helped keep Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham at bay in Atlanta, while a dramatic late comeback with two late goals saw the defending champions get past England.

"They seem to give a goal away between them every single game," said Neville on 'Stick to Football'.

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"But you watch them [playing for Argentina], 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."

Romero and Martinez, both 28, have started all but one of Argentina's seven games at this summer's tournament in North America, as both were rested for the side's final Group J game against Jordan with qualification already assured.

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While both experienced mixed club seasons for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United respectively, they have provided a base of stability and stoutness to allow their attacking international team-mates - led by Lionel Messi - to flourish.

They both picked up yellow cards for cynical fouls in the game against England, with Martinez replaced by 38-year-old Nicolas Otamendi in the 72nd minute.

And in the wake of booking their spot in Sunday's final against Spain in New Jersey, Romero hit back at Neville's assessment of their partnership.

"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 told DSports when asked about Neville's comments.

"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."

Martinez added: "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."

In the six games that Romero and Martinez have started at the back in the tournament, Argentina have kept two clean sheets and conceded six goals.

The pair will likely once again be tasked with marshalling Argentina's defence in the final against Spain, and given the task of trying to keep Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and co. quiet.

Both were part of the Argentina side who won the tournament four years ago in Qatar and are hoping to become just the third side to win back-to-back World Cup titles after Italy and Brazil.

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