Argentinian Martnez comes under fire for his latest stunt

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Emiliano Martinez celebrates saving a penalty in the World Cup final. (Source: Associated Press)

Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper continued his recent streak of antics and mockery of Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, with his latest stunt during a victory parade in Buenos Aires that drew criticism.

Emiliano Martnez is no stranger to controversy.

After winning the World Cup final and the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, he made a vulgar gesture to French fans with the individual trophy. France lost the game to Argentina on penalties, after regulation time and extra time produced a 3-3 draw.

And he made fun of Mbappé in particular, targeting him throughout the tournament. During the team’s dressing room celebrations just after the match, he called for a minute’s silence “for Mbappé who is dead”.

During an open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires yesterday, Martnez could be seen holding a doll with Mbappé’s face on it.

“This apparent need for Emi Martnez in particular to denigrate Mbappe and France is, frankly, pathetic and ugly,” Mail on Sunday football writer Oliver Holt said on Twitter. “Making fun of Mbappe shows zero class.”

Others were quick to point out that Mbappé scored a hat-trick past Martnez in the final, plus a penalty in the shootout.

“Honestly this makes me laugh, if you were to show this picture to a casual football fan who hasn’t watched the final you would think Emi Martnez had Kylian in his pocket the whole game,” another wrote. Twitter user.

“The truth is that Mbappé made this guy take the ball out of the back of the net four times.”

“Martnez is doing his best to be ranked among the worst winners. Such bizarre behavior,” said New York Times sportswriter Tariq Panja.

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