Argentine player Prestianni, from Benfica, used an Instagram story to refute the allegations, stating he never directed racist remarks at Vinicius. "I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at the player Vinicius Junior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he thought I heard," he wrote. Prestianni also mentioned receiving threats from Real Madrid players, which he regrets.
The controversy comes before next Wednesday's Champions League match between the teams. Real Madrid advances with a draw, while Benfica needs a two-goal victory to progress. Mbappé has come to Vinicius' defense, claiming to hear Prestianni call the Brazilian "Mono" (monkey in Spanish) five times during their previous encounter.