Argentina star Romero explains why he screamed in Mbappe's face in WC final

Argentina defender Cristian Romero has explained why he screamed in the face of France striker Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup final.

During the thrilling encounter - which Argentina emerged victorious from after a 3-3 draw was settled by a penalty shoot-out - the Spurs star was seen goading his French counterpart.

The centre-back has now explained why he 'yelled' at the tournament's top goalscorer in the final and also revealed that he still often rewatches the iconic match.

Speaking to D Sports Radio, the defender explained: 'I yelled in Mbappe's face to celebrate our goal.

'Because Enzo [Fernandez] had spoken to him and he had treated him really badly. Then I celebrated Leo's [Messi's] goal in his face.'

It's unclear as to when Mbappe and Fernandez had a confrontation, but the incident was evidently noted by Romero, who made his feelings known shortly after.

Romero was seen screaming at Mbappe following Argentina's third goal of the game, when Lionel Messi poked home from close range to make it 3-1. They were eventually pegged back by Les Bleus but still emerged triumphant after a 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,' the Spurs defender said.

The Tottenham centre-back - who was signed from Italian side Atalanta in 2021 - also shared that he likes to 'rewatch the final every day' and that he's 'always wanted to face France in the final because they were the world champions.'

He was later asked for his views on national team-mate Lionel Messi, to which Romero said: '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.'

The PSG forward scored two goals during the final in Lusail - as well as a penalty in the shootout - to end his country's 36-year-long wait for a World Cup title.