Rodrigo De Paul has come in for heavy criticism after a heated clash with Robert Lewandowski went viral. The Inter Miami midfielder was caught swearing at the Chicago Fire striker during Wednesday's 1-1 draw.
De Paul allegedly told Lewandowski: 'Who do you think you are, you fool? I've won two Copa Americas and a World Cup!'
The exchange happened late in the match at Soldier Field, and the video spread fast. Fans have not been kind to De Paul.
Photo by Michael Reaves/MLS via Getty Images
Supporters largely felt De Paul overstepped, pointing out that his international honours do not put him anywhere near the Polish striker's level.
One fan wrote: 'Who are you, dummy? Coming from a midfielder who needed Messi to become relevant is crazy work.'
Another listed Lewandowski's achievements in response: 'Hahaha okay mate and Lewandowski has won the treble, an uncountable amount of trophies and 2 world player of the year awards and should've won the 2020 Ballon d'Or. Sit down you **** and ****.'
One fan was blunter: 'De Paul confirmed non ball knower.'
'We all know Lewandowski is a class act. If your team is the one to finally get him to throw some hands, that's a reflection on YOU not him,' another added.
The contrast between the two players was summed up neatly by one commenter: 'Lewa: one of the best striker. De Paul: Messi's personal Cheerleader.'
Others broadened the criticism to the whole squad.
'Can anyone explain to me like a 5 year old why these present crop of Argentine players are so rude, hostile, and disrespectful?' one asked.
Another put Lewandowski's place in history above the argument: 'Lewandowski is more important in football history than any Argentina player not named Maradona, Messi.'
For his part, Lewandowski appeared to laugh the comment off, and the confrontation did not escalate.
He had already made his point on the pitch, opening the scoring with an outrageous acrobatic volley in the 10th minute. Casemiro 's header from a Messi corner earned Inter Miami a share of the spoils.
The bigger problem for De Paul's side is form. Miami have now failed to win eight of their last 10 games across all competitions, with two wins, four draws and four defeats in that stretch.
They sit second in the Eastern Conference, 44 points from 24 games, and face Nashville in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
The social media fallout from the Lewandowski clash, though, may take longer to clear.
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