"I'm not sure about that," said Ibrahimovic.
Ibrahimovic also disputed Lalas's assessment of the French national team during their opening match against Senegal.
"It's not arrogance, it's confidence," said Ibrahimovic.
He further distinguished how different individuals interpret the team's behavior.
"Ignorant people will say it's arrogance. Intelligent people will say it's confidence," he said.
When Lalas relocated to an on-site broadcast position outside Seattle Stadium during a pregame show hosted by Rebecca Lowe, Ibrahimovic joked about his absence.
"Who?" said Ibrahimovic.
He continued the joke by addressing the host and the American audience directly.
"Your plan worked Rebecca [... ] America, you're welcome," he said.
Ibrahimovic additionally posted a video online showing himself and Thierry Henry keeping a soccer ball away from Lalas.
"The studio will never forget," said Ibrahimovic.
During a television appearance on After Hours with James Corden, Ibrahimovic was asked if he respected everyone on the FOX Sports crew.
"Yes," said Ibrahimovic.
After a lie detector machine indicated the answer was false, Ibrahimovic clarified his stance.
"Trust me. All love," he said.
Host Rebecca Lowe had initially prompted the studio interaction by announcing Lalas's reassignment for the United States versus Australia match.
"Chaps, Alexi left us," said Lowe.
Colleagues Defend Lalas
Fellow network analyst Stu Holden defended Lalas during an appearance on The Sports Media Podcast, downplaying rumors of genuine animosity.
"Too much is being made," said Holden.
Holden emphasized that the on-screen talent maintains excellent working relationships behind the scenes.
"Off-camera, these guys are all great professionals. They all get along.
And I think they understand, again, that this is TV," he said.
He concluded that Lalas likely appreciates the discourse surrounding his polarizing television character.
"And I think honestly, too much is being made of the Alexi thing.
>>> How Sporting Events Have the Power to Unite Us
But probably, secretly, I haven't even talked to Alexi about it, I'm sure he's enjoying this an element because it is a role and a character that he plays, and we're just seeing it in a way with two people he's never really had that interaction with," said Holden.
