Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for Argentina and Aston Villa, has denied mocking France and PSG star Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar thanks to Emiliano Martinez’s penalty save after a thrilling 3-3 tie.
Despite Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick and slotting in his spot-kick during the penalty shootout, Emiliano Martinez’s brilliant goalkeeping helped Argentina win the World Cup.
During Argentina’s World Cup trophy parade, Martinez requested a moment of silence for Mbappe and waved a doll with Mbappe’s image.
Most pundits and the French media called his World Cup celebration “disrespectful.” He has now come out to say that he did not mock or disrespect the PSG talisman.
I held it [baby doll] for like two minutes and I threw it away, that’s all’, Martinez told France football.
How can I make fun of Mbappe? He scored four past me. Four goals in a final! He must think I am his toy baby! I have huge respect for Mbappe.
Martinez began to dance as Aurelien Tchouameni prepared to take his penalty kick in the World Cup final shootout. Because the French star missed his penalty in the shootout, the goalkeeper’s mind trick is said to have been very successful.
As a result, aside from Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s participation in the tournament, Martinez’s antics, particularly during the penalty shootout, are credited with the country’s success in Qatar.