Lewandowski explains De Paul clash over remarks about Poland

Robert Lewandowski has said comments about Poland were the main reason behind his heated exchange with Rodrigo De Paul, with the Poland captain insisting he would not accept disrespect towards his country.

Lewandowski clarifies what angered him

Speaking about the incident, Lewandowski explained that the confrontation was not driven solely by normal matchday emotion or by any later boasting about honours. Instead, he pointed to words used by De Paul in reference to Poland as the moment that pushed him into a stronger reaction.

The Barcelona forward said players can say things in the heat of a game and acknowledged that such situations are part of football. But he made clear there was a line for him when the discussion turned towards his homeland.

Lewandowski said he would not allow a lack of respect towards his country and that several words used about Poland were too strong.

Trophy talk came later

Lewandowski also addressed the suggestion that De Paul had tried to provoke him by talking about his own achievements. According to the Poland international, that part of the exchange came later and did not affect him in the same way.

He said that once the conversation moved onto trophies and personal success, he stepped back from the argument because he already knew what he had achieved in his own career. His response, he suggested, was to smile rather than continue escalating that side of the dispute.

The striker did not reveal the exact words used by De Paul. He did, however, underline that the strongest emotion came from what was said about Poland rather than anything related to medals or titles.

How the incident unfolded

The clash took place during Chicago Fire's 1-1 draw with Inter Miami on 10 September. In the 89th minute, Lewandowski went down in the penalty area after a challenge from Ian Fray, but no penalty was awarded.

Moments later, Inter Miami players gathered around the Polish forward, with De Paul reacting most aggressively. The Argentina midfielder pushed Lewandowski and became involved in a verbal exchange that quickly drew attention.

Reports cited in the source said De Paul later boasted about his international honours, including Copa America titles and the World Cup, during the confrontation. Lewandowski’s own account, however, makes clear that this was not the part of the exchange that truly angered him.

A reaction rooted in national pride

Lewandowski’s version of events offers a more personal explanation for why the altercation became so intense. For one of Poland’s most prominent footballers, criticism aimed at him as an opponent was one thing; comments he felt disrespected his country were another.

That distinction is central to his retelling. In his view, the flashpoint was not ego, status or a debate over silverware, but a matter of respect.