Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez Denies Making Fun of Mbappe Despite ‘Offensive’ Gestures

• Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has reflected on his World Cup celebrations, particularly with Kylian Mbappe
• Martinez lashed out at Mbappe just before the World Cup final following the latter's comments about South American football
• He was also spotted holding a doll with Mbappe's face during Argentina's celebrations in Buenos Aires

Emiliano Martinez has refuted claims he made a mockery of Kylian Mbappe during Argentina's World Cup celebration.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper was a standout performer at the World Cup, pulling off a crucial point-blank save and making a save during post-match penalties to help Argentina win their third global title.

Despite his heroics on the pitch, it was his antics after Argentina's success which caught the eye of many.

Emi Martinez vs Mbappe

Affectionately known as Dibu, Martinez revisited Mbappe's claims that South American football was less competitive in comparison with Europe, per Mirror.

Bayern Munich coach doubts Kylian Mbappe will miss Champions League fixture

Football

Martinez and South American football had the last laugh but still conceded four times against Mbappe, including one during post-match penalty shootouts.

After the encounter, the Aston Villa custodian was seen holding a doll with Kylian Mbappe's face as part of Argentina's World Cup celebrations.

His action was labelled 'offensive', considered below the belt by critics

How Martinez responded to critics

But he has denied such claims, suggesting he has tremendous respect for Kylian Mbappe.

"How could I make fun of Mbappe?" Martinez quipped as quoted by Roy Nemer.

"He scored four goals! Four goals in the final...He must think I'm his doll! I repeat: I have enormous respect for Mbappe."

Dibu holds doll with Mbappe's face

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez has taken his squabble with Kylian Mbappe a notch higher after he aimed a brutal dig at the France star during their trophy parade in Buenos Aires.

Messi-Mbappe war?: Lionel Messi sets the record straight about his relationship with Mbappe

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Martinez played a key part in Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where he won the Golden Glove Award.

In Buenos Aires, Martinez was seen holding a doll with Mbappe's picture on it as the players engaged with fans in an open-bus parade.

Martinez predicts Ballon d'Or for Mbappe

Aside from denying he mocked Kylian Mbappe, Emiliano Martinez has forecasted future Ballon d'Or success for the PSG star while providing details on what he told him after the World Cup final, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper dominated the headlines for both the right and wrong reasons after Argentina dethroned France as world champions.

The giant goalkeeper also predicted Ballon d'Or glory for Mbappe when Lionel Messi eventually retires.