Sergio Aguero has fired back at Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swedish striker criticised the behaviour of Argentina’s players at the Qatar World Cup.
Argentina were crowned world champions for the third time thanks largely to Lionel Messi, who inspired his national team to glory by scoring seven goals throughout the tournament, including two in the final against France.
La Albiceleste lifted the World Cup after defeating 2018 champions France on penalties.
However, some of the antics displayed by Argentina’s players during the tournament were heavily criticised by fans and pundits alike.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 09: Argentina players celebrate after their win in the penalty shootout as Netherlands players react during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
What did Zlatan say about Argentina's players?
Speaking to France Inter this week, per Goal, Zlatan said: "Messi is considered the best player in history, I was sure he was going to win. What will happen is that [Kylian] Mbappe will still win a World Cup.
“I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about the others in Argentina, because they will not win anything more.
“Messi has won everything and he will be remembered, but the rest who behaved badly, we can’t respect that.
“This is coming from me, speaking as a top professional player, that is a sign that you will win once, but you won’t win again. You don’t win like that.â€
Read more: Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticises Argentina players for behaviour during Qatar World Cup
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - MAY 22: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan applauds the fans prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on May 22, 2022 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Damning comments from Ibrahimovic, who himself is no stranger to controversy.
Although Aguero wasn’t part of Argentina’s 23-man World Cup squad - the legendary striker was forced to retire in December 2021, months after joining Barcelona, after a heart condition was detected - he was still very close to the squad in Qatar.
One of Messi’s closest friends, Aguero was even part of the World Cup final celebrations at the Lusail Stadium, doing his best John Terry impression by donning full kit and lifting the trophy.
Read more: John Terry’s tweet about Sergio Aguero goes viral after Argentina’s World Cup win
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Sergio Aguero, former Argentina player lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner's Trophy during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Sergio Aguero hits back at Zlatan Ibrahimovic
It’s fair to say that Aguero is not impressed by Zlatan’s comments about his pals.
In response, the former Manchester City star was quoted by football writer Roy Nemer as saying: "It seems very rude to me to say that we are not going to win anything anymore.
“Before talking about Argentina, worry about your country, your players, who were not even in the last World Cup.
“You're the least suitable person to speak."
Ouch. Don’t mince your words, Sergio.
Never one to back down, it’s fair to assume that Aguero can expect an equally scathing response from Zlatan in the not-too-distant future.
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