Lewandowski laughs off De Paul’s ‘Who are you, Bobo?’ World Cup taunt

Robert Lewandowski and Rodrigo De Paul were involved in a heated exchange during Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw with Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, with De Paul appearing to echo Lionel Messi’s famous confrontation with Wout Weghorst at the 2022 World Cup.

The match, played in the 24th round of the MLS regular season, brought together Chicago Fire, fourth in the Eastern Conference, and runners-up Inter Miami in a fixture featuring several high-profile players.

Lewandowski opened the scoring for Chicago Fire after 10 minutes with an impressive finish. Inter Miami equalised three minutes after half-time when Casemiro headed in from a corner delivered by Argentina forward Lionel Messi.

Tensions rose late in the match, however, when Lewandowski became involved in an incident with Jamaica defender Ian Fray in the 86th minute.

The dispute began when Lewandowski lightly pushed Fray, who fell to the ground. Fray got back to his feet and responded in kind, prompting the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona striker to approach him and demand an explanation.

De Paul then stepped in to defend his team-mate. Known for his willingness to protect Messi and his other colleagues, the Argentina midfielder used his arm to move Lewandowski away before the pair exchanged angry words.

According to French broadcaster RMC, De Paul told Lewandowski: “What’s wrong with you? I’m here.”

The confrontation then took a more familiar turn. In a reference to Messi’s exchange with Netherlands forward Weghorst during the 2022 World Cup, De Paul reportedly told Lewandowski: “Who are you, Bobo? I have won the Copa America twice and the World Cup… and you?”

Messi’s “What are you looking at, Bobo?” remark to Weghorst became one of the most recognisable moments of the 2022 tournament.

Lewandowski’s reaction appeared to defuse the situation. The 38-year-old burst out laughing sarcastically as De Paul continued to provoke him, and the confrontation ended shortly afterwards.

Lewandowski joined MLS during the summer after his contract with Barcelona expired. He has scored seven goals in 13 appearances for his new club.

De Paul moved to Inter Miami to join Messi in 2025 after leaving Atletico Madrid. During his first season in the United States, he helped the club win both the MLS title and the Leagues Cup.