Lewandowski opens up on De Paul clash in Miami draw

Robert Lewandowski has shed more light on his confrontation with Rodrigo De Paul during Chicago Fire’s draw with Inter Miami, saying the exchange crossed a line when comments were directed at Poland.

Tension in a high-profile meeting

Lewandowski featured in the widely watched meeting between Chicago Fire and Inter Miami, a game that also saw him score as his side earned a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi’s team. But while the occasion brought star power and a strong atmosphere, it also included a heated late flashpoint involving De Paul.

The pair were involved in a physical and verbal altercation on the pitch. De Paul, often described in the media as Messi’s “bodyguard”, was reported in Argentina to have referenced his own honours during the exchange. Lewandowski, however, has now explained that what bothered him most was not the talk about trophies.

Lewandowski: remarks about Poland angered me

Speaking to WP Sportowe Fakty, Lewandowski said he understood that emotions can spill over during matches and suggested that De Paul may use similar language with other opponents. Even so, he made clear there was one part of the incident he could not accept.

“I won’t allow a lack of respect towards my homeland,” Lewandowski said, explaining that the initial argument began after De Paul used words about Poland that he felt went too far.

Lewandowski added that once the conversation shifted to trophies, his reaction changed. Rather than escalate things further, he said he stepped back and smiled, confident in what he has achieved in his own career. But the issue of respect for his country remained the part that stayed with him.

Trophies were not the main issue

According to the striker, the exchange developed in two stages. First came the comments about Poland, which sparked the original dispute. Then came the references to silverware, a point that had been widely discussed after reports in the Argentine media.

Lewandowski’s account suggests that, from his perspective, the more serious element was the national insult rather than the personal taunt. It is a distinction that changes the tone of the incident: less about footballing ego, more about what he viewed as a basic question of respect.

• Lewandowski played for Chicago Fire against Inter Miami.
• He scored in the match, which ended in a draw.
• He said De Paul made comments about Poland.
• He also said the later talk about trophies did not provoke the same reaction.

A positive memory despite the flashpoint

Despite the confrontation, Lewandowski said he still looks back on the occasion positively. He described the match as enjoyable and praised the atmosphere around the game.

He also revealed that he spent a moment speaking with Messi and Luis Suarez afterwards, calling it a special feeling to meet players of that stature in a different part of the world. That broader reflection underlined an important point: while the clash with De Paul drew attention, it did not define the entire evening for him.

Instead, Lewandowski’s comments present a more nuanced picture of the match — one that mixed elite-level tension with the appreciation that comes from sharing the stage with some of the game’s biggest names.