Argentina’s Martinez Slams Mbappe Ahead of World Cup Final vs Messi

• Kylian Mbappe's previous comments on the quality of South American football have resurfaced hours before the World Cup final
• Mbappe had previously downplayed the strength of South American football compared to European football
• Emiliano Martinez has responded to those claims by Mbappe ahead of their final showdown in Qatar

Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has stoked some fires by criticising Kylian Mbappe ahead of their meeting on Sunday evening.

Martinez was on pre-match conference duty as Argentina prepare to face France in the 2022 World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Much of the focus has been on Mbappe and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Lionel Messi - the two players who are expected to have a great say on the outcome of the game.

However, Martinez revisited previous comments by Mbappe where the 23-year-old appeared to suggest that South American football was not as competitive as European football.

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"The advantage we have in Europe is that we play among ourselves with high-level matches all the time, such as the Nations League. When we arrive at the World Cup, we are ready, whereas Brazil and Argentina do not have this level in South America. Football is not as advanced as in Europe. That’s why at the last World Cups, it's always the Europeans who win," said Mbappe at that time as quoted by the Mirror.

Martinez answers Mbappe

Martinez has now fired back at the PSG forward saying that Mbappe can't comment on the league(s) he hasn't played in before.

"He said that the level of South America is lower than the European level because he did not play there. If you do not have the experience then it is difficult to comment."

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Martinez will be the last option in defencing in preventing a Mbappe-led attack from winning back-to-back World Cup titles.

Martinez issues Messi warning to France

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Lionel Messi’s extraordinary feat at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has seen the Argentina captain earn the “GOAT” status amongst his teammates and fans worldwide.

The 35-year-old has been one of the standout players at the World Cup as he guided Argentina to the final to be played against arch-nemesis France on Sunday, December 18.

According to Argentina goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, Messi remains the greatest of all time as the shot-stopper gave a subtle warning to France