18 January 2023 , 10:05
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Cristian Romero has explained why he yelled into Kylian Mbappe's face after Lionel Messi scored during last month's thrilling World Cup final.
Messi, 35, broke multiple records in the final on his way to finally getting his hands on the trophy that had previously eluded him during his career, but the superstar was beaten to the Golden Boot by his club team-mate, who netted a stunning hat-trick in the showpiece event at the Lusail Stadium which may be remembered as the tournament’s greatest ever final.
The final was understandably emotional with Mbappe directing the celebration of his second goal in front of Messi, as Les Bleus initially staged a remarkable comeback which eventually forced the game to penalties – in which Argentina triumphed.
Romero celebrated Messi's Argentina goal in the face of Mbappe (Niviere David/ABACAPRESS.COM/REX/Shutterstock)There was no shortage of players who let their emotions get the better of them during the showpiece game with Tottenham defender Romero, who starred for Argentina throughout the tournament, among them.
"I yelled in Mbappe's face to celebrate our goal," Romero explained on D Sports Radio. Because Enzo (Fernandez, Romero's international teammate) had spoken to him and he had treated him really badly. Then I celebrated Leo's goal in his face."
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Romero continued, as he reflected upon his experience during the nerve-shredding penalty shootout: "I saw Leo's penalty, it was the only one I saw. Afterwards, I didn't see any more penalties, because I was kneeling and praying."
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Romero shared that "I rewatch the final every day" and that "I've always wanted to face France in the final because they were the world champions."
The defender continued, when the conversation somewhat inevitably turned to the achievements of Messi: "From a football point of view we know what Messi represents, for me and for many others he is the greatest in history. He has a simplicity and humility on a day-to-day basis and that makes him greater."
Messi led Argentina to the Copa America title last year – their first major trophy in three decades – but the pain of missing out on the World Cup title had continued over the years as it had been the one trophy that had eluded him, until now.
Mbappe, PSG's only representative in the French World Cup squad, was mocked by Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez in the victors' celebrations.