Sergio Aguero has furiously hit back at Zlatan Ibrahimovic's comments on Lionel Messi and his criticism of Argentina players' conduct after their World Cup win.
Ibrahimovic was speaking after Messi won the World Cup with Argentina last month, with the veteran striker rowing back on his previous comments where he rejected suggestions that Messi – with whom he briefly played alongside at Barcelona – was the greatest to ever play the game.
The Milan striker said of the Argentine superstar following his success with his nation in Qatar: "Messi is considered to be the best player ever, I was sure he was going to win it. I am also convinced that Kylian Mbappe will still win one more World Cup."
However, the 41-year-old's comments about Messi's Argentina teammates were arguably more eye-catching as he criticised them for "behaving badly" in the aftermath of their success and suggesting that they were not good winners.
Aguero – who retired from football a year ago but was a part of the entourage around Argentina's squad during the World Cup – has taken umbrage with the comments and has now hit back at Ibrahimovic.
Speaking on twitch, the former Manchester City striker remembered a Manchester derby involving the two, and stated: "Let's remember that you also behaved badly, right? I remember that we played against United. I was on the bench. You were provoking, you were talking back."
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Aguero continued: "I think that before worrying about Argentina, you should worry about your country, about your players, who aren't even in the last World Cups. They didn't even qualify, but well, I don't know.
"I remember that you fought with [Nicolas] Otamendi in a game between City and United. You argued with Pep Guardiola. I imagine that's why he wanted to sell you from Barcelona. You disrespected my teammates."
He added: "What's more, maybe you're also talking to me because I was there. I feel like you shot me and now I'm shooting you. We are world champions, Zlatan. Messi is the best in the world, I'm sorry."
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was widely criticised for his behaviour following Argentina's World Cup win. He controversially put his Golden Glove award to his crotch and held a doll with Mbappe's face on it during the victory parade.
Ibrahimovic didn't name names while dishing out criticism but it was apparent who he was referring to in his comments.
"I'm not worried about Messi. I am worried about the others in Argentina because they are not going to win anything else. Messi has won everything and he will be remembered, but the rest who behaved badly, we cannot respect that," he said.
"This is coming from me, speaking as a top pro player, it's a sign that you will win once, but you won't win again. You are not supposed to win like that."
