Cristian Romero has issued his response to claims made by Kylian Mbappe about just how difficult it is to win the World Cup.
The France striker, a winner in 2018 of course, was denied a second successive world crown by Romero’s Argentina in a pulsating final at the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria put La Albiceleste into a commanding lead before a stunning brace from Mbappe sent the game to extra-time.
Messi would score again before Mbappe’s penalty made him the first man to score a hat-trick in the biggest game the sport has to offer since Geoff Hurst did so for England in 1966.
Such a dramatic affair was always likely to cause tempers to flare. Mbappe was not only mocked by Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez in wild dressing room celebrations after the game but also had a run-in with Romero on the pitch.
International teammate and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez revealed back in March: “We argued a bit on the field. I don’t really like to tell what happens. I had said some things, but that remains on the field.
“Cuti is crazy, he yelled the goal in his face!”
Mbappe, who will lead Les Bleus into Euro 2024 as captain for the first time, recently suggested the European Championship was in fact harder to win than the World Cup.
“The Euros are complicated. For me, more complicated than a World Cup,” he said.
“Even if there is more pressure at the World Cup. All the teams know each other, we play against each other all the time. Tactically, it is a very similar soccer.”
Pressed on Mbappe’s assertion by Argentine outlet MDZ, Romero replied: "They are each person's opinions, they are respected.
“The World Cup is the most difficult competition that I have had to play in. I have had the possibility of winning all the competitions that I have played with the national team.
“I cannot explain what that happens inside you when you win a World Cup.
"I think it is the most difficult, but each person can give their opinion what they want. Opinion is free and if for them other things are more complicated that is fine.
“For me the World Cup is the most complicated competition that I have had to play in.”
