Wesley Sneijder has questioned Nicolás Otamendi’s judgement after the Benfica defender appeared to mock Vinicius Junior during a heated Champions League encounter with Real Madrid.
The former Madrid midfielder did not hold back, suggesting Otamendi’s actions were misplaced and disrespectful given the stage and the opponent involved.
Tensions flared between the Argentine centre back and the Brazilian winger during Tuesday night’s European clash, as emotions spilled over in a fiercely contested tie.
At one point, Vinicius was said to have gestured toward his collection of Champions League triumphs. Otamendi responded by lifting his shirt to reveal the tattoos across his torso, which commemorate Argentina’s recent international successes, including the Copa América, the World Cup and the Finalissima.
The exchange, though brief and followed by laughter from both players, quickly became one of the talking points of the night.
Sneijder, however, was unimpressed. “Is he alright in the head? And if I was Vinicius, I would have responded with: ‘Messi won that World Cup for you, you had nothing to do with it.’” The Dutchman went further, questioning the logic behind confronting a Real Madrid player in that manner.
“Why is he doing this to a Real Madrid player? Does he have any idea how many Champions League titles Vinicius has won? And he is showing him trophies?”
The comments underline the lingering friction that often surfaces when club and international achievements collide on the biggest platforms.
Otamendi, a veteran defender with a decorated career that includes spells at Manchester City and major honours with Argentina, has never been shy about displaying his pride in national triumphs.
Yet Sneijder’s remarks suggest that such gestures, particularly in the middle of a high stakes European fixture, risk being interpreted as provocation rather than playful banter.
Otamendi showed Vini Jr. his tattoos of the Finalissima, World Cup and Copa América he’s won.
Vini couldn’t help but laugh 😂 pic.twitter.com/5QGQXfXx0p
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 17, 2026
For Vinicius, the focus will quickly shift back to matters on the pitch. The Brazilian is expected to feature prominently in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where he will aim to add international silverware to his already impressive club résumé.
