Kylian Mbappe led France to the World Cup final in Qatar last year. His performance in Riyadh was undoubtedly one of the best in the history of the beautiful game. He scored 3 goals against Lionel Messi and Co, two being from the penalty spot. The 7x Ballon d’Or winner had an exceptional time at the tournament as well, scoring 7 goals, including 2 in the final.
Messi also won the FIFA The Best award recently, beating his PSG teammate to it. Mbappe’s performance at the World Cup has been admired by many, but his rival has turned out to be his fan.
What did Emi Martinez say to Kylian Mbappe after the World Cup final?
Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez took multiple shots at the young superstar after the World Cup final. After the game, Martinez led the Argentina team’s celebrations but stopped for a moment to tell the team to observe a minute’s silence for Mbappe.
Emiliano Martinez asking for a minute of silence for Kylian Mbappé in the middle of Argentina’s dressing room celebrations.. 😐#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/k2phupBsT6
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) December 18, 2022
If that wasn’t enough, he took it to a whole new level by mocking Mbappe at the trophy parade as well. Martinez was spotted with a baby-like toy in his arms and stuck an image of Mbappe’s face on it.
Emiliano Martínez carried a baby toy with Mbappé’s face on it during the victory parade in Argentina today! 😳🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/hd6FmiaPb2
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 20, 2022
Mbappe did not respond to the mockery until recently. The PSG forward said that the goal for him was to focus on achieving more for the club. He also claimed that the celebrations were not important to him.
Kylian Mbappé on Emiliano Martinez’s celebrations:
“Celebrations are not my problem. I don’t waste my energy on such trivial things. The most important thing for me is to give the best of myself for my club.” 🇫🇷🗣️ pic.twitter.com/RvJl5WXec0
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) December 28, 2022
One would think that Martinez and Mbappe are foes, but the former’s recent comments might indicate otherwise. Martinez said in an interview with TyC Sports, “I told him to get up and to look forward. He shouldn’t be on the floor, but proud of the game he had played, which is the truth.” “He scored four goals on me. The one who should be on the floor is me,” he added.
It is an unusual sight to see Emi Martinez admit that he wasn’t the best player during a game. It is no secret that the Aston Villa goalkeeper tends to get into the minds of his opponents during and even after matches. Moreover, he has a habit of mocking opponents, which many fans appreciate as well.
Even Martinez could not help but admire Mbappe’s performance that day. The way that the 23-year-old stepped up for his country when they needed him the most speaks at length about the type of player he is. Mbappe is already one of the best players in the world but continues to surprise soccer fans as time passes.
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