Martinez Says He Didn’t Mock Mbappe After Argentina’s World Cup victory

Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, said he didn’t mock France and PSG star, Kylian Mbappe contrary to viral reports.

Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar thanks to Emiliano Martinez’s stop of a Kingsley Coman’s penalty after a thrilling 3-3 tie.

Emiliano Martinez’s brilliant goalkeeping helped Argentina win the World Cup despite Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick and slotting in his spot-kick during the penalty shootout.

Martinez requested a moment of silence for Mbappe and waved a doll featuring Mbappe’s image during Argentina’s World Cup trophy parade.

His World Cup celebration was branded by most pundits and the French media as “disrespectful.” Now, he has come out to deny mocking or disrespecting 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 started to dance as Aurelien Tchouameni was about to take his spot-kick during the World Cup final shootout. The goalkeeper’s mind trick is said to have been very successful because the French star missed his penalty in the shootout.

Hence, aside from Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s input into the tournament, Martinez’s antics, especially during the penalty shootout, are hailed for the country’s success in Qatar.