Emi Martinez: Argentina Players Recreate Kylian Mbappe’s France Troll During World Cup Trophy Presentation

• Emi Martinez could elicit some sharp reactions after he repeated his controversial celebration
• Martinez came up with a number of divisive celebrations aimed at France and Mbappe
• He has since clarified that he has the utmost respect for Mbappe

Emi Martinez is bound to generate some reactions yet again after he led Argentinian players in recreating a gesture said to be a troll on France supporters.

Martinez did so in conjunction with Guido Rodriguez and Geronimo Rulli and other players during Argentina's trophy presentation at the Monumental Stadium on Friday morning.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Argentina's World Cup heroes after they defied all odds in December last year as Lionel Messi finally won a trophy that has eluded him on four different occasions.

Apart from Messi, Martinez also came up grand for the Albiceleste with some important saves in the final. Afterwards, much of the talk was centred on Martinez's celebration as he appeared to constantly mock Kylian Mbappe.

Ronaldo breaks men's international caps record, scores double

Football

Martinez vs Mbappe

Mbappe had a glittering display in the final, scoring four goals past Martinez but ended up on the wrong side of the result after the penalty shootouts.

Martinez was heard mocking Mbappe in the dressing room celebrations before being seen with a doll bearing Mbappe's face during an open-air parade in Buenos Aires.

While receiving his Golden Glove award at the Lusail Stadium, he also made a gesture to France supporters. A gesture that might be seen as offensive in some quarters. He later confirmed that it was his payback to the French supporters who kept taunting him at the stadium.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper repeated the same gesture, but this time around, he was joined by other players. The players held replicas of the World Cup trophy during a thrilling homecoming celebration.

Messi scores in Artgetina's homecoming celebration

Football

FIFA had been urged to look into Martinez's conduct after the World Cup final. The findings of the review remain unknown.

It is, however, also important to note that the custodian has reiterated that he respects Mbappe, emphasising that his celebrations were in no way a direct attack on one of the world's best players.

Messi turns down invitation to dance

Sports Brief has also reported that Lionel Messi turned down a passionate appeal from a fully packed crowd at the Monumental Stadium and his teammates to dance in Argentina's homecoming celebration.

The 35-year-old and his Argentina World Cup-winning mates were treated to a raucous welcome as they paraded the trophy in their first game since winning the Mundial last December.

Amid the fanfare and jamboree, the Paris Saint-Germain forward was asked to dance as the crowd serenaded the players with unbridled chants. Messi, who is naturally introverted, waived the chance to dance despite several appeals made by his teammates and the excited crowd.