Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri entertained Manchester United supporters with a cheeky social media exchange on Sunday. And it ended with Garnacho brutally blanking his Red Devils teammate after being accused of lying about their contrasting ability on popular video game EA Sports FC 24.
Garnacho and Pellistri play limited minutes alongside each other on the pitch, given both are often restricted to substitute cameos.
Pellistri has only started a handful of games for United, while Garnacho commonly leaves the pitch by the time the former arrives when he is named in Erik ten Hag’s team.
But as South American starlets, they are bound to be close off the pitch and spend plenty of downtime together.
Some of that downtime appears to be invested in EA FC 24, EA Sports’ latest football game played by millions worldwide.
The pair’s friendly competition leaked into the public domain at the weekend when Pellistri fired shots at Garnacho after his Ultimate Team was posted onto X (formerly Twitter).
Garnacho boasts an impressive team of current superstars and football legends, including Ronaldo, Eusebio, Jude Bellingham, and, of course, himself.
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United fan account @TenHagBall_ posted the XI from the Argentina international’s Instagram story.
But Pellistri, a regular starter for Uruguay, couldn’t resist aiming fun at Garnacho’s gaming talent, replying to the post: “And he still can’t win any games [crying laughter emoji].”
Garnacho wasn’t going to stand for that, quickly reacting to Pellistri’s jibe with a brutal dig of his own.
“Still 3-0 in games against you [crying laughter emoji]. Stop spending money; it won’t make you good,” Garnacho responded.
Pellistri disputed his attacking partner’s claim, adding, “He is lying [shoulder shrug emoji],” which was met by silence from Garnacho.
The 21-year-old winger has featured seven times for United this season, starting three games and registering one assist.
Garnacho, 19, has started four consecutive outings, defeats to Newcastle United and FC Copenhagen and Premier League victories against Fulham and Luton Town.
He will hope to retain his starting spot alongside Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund when club football returns this weekend.
United travel to Goodison Park to face Everton – now 19th in the Premier League after their 10-point deduction – on Sunday evening.
It’s the first of three daunting away tests for Ten Hag’s side, followed by Galatasaray in a must-win Champions League clash and Newcastle United in the league.