WHAT HAPPENED? Martinez was leading the celebrations in the Argentina dressing room with a chant calling for "a minute of silence" for Mbappe after his team's World Cup success over France in the final in Qatar.
WHAT THEY SAID: "It's a locker room thing," he said to France Football about the chants. "It should never have come out. When France beat us in 2018, I remember there were chants about Messi [involving N'Golo Kante]. Same thing, if a team beats Brazil, they'll be singing about Neymar.
"There's nothing personal against Mbappe. I respect him a lot. If people sing about him or Neymar, it's because they are top players. After the final, I told him that it was a pleasure to play against him and that he almost won the match on his own... I had confirmation that he has immense talent. When Messi retires, I am sure Kylian will win many Ballon d'Or awards."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mbappe and Martinez were two of the star performers in the World Cup final, with the France striker scoring a hat-trick in the 3-3 extra-time draw. Martinez, meanwhile, pulled off some incredible saves to keep his team level and saved Kingsley Coman's penalty in the shootout, which Argentina won 4-2.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ? The Argentina hero is back in domestic action with Aston Villa and will come up against Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend.
Mermothek10
614
exactly. it's not about disrespect, the best player of the team always gets this kinda treatment. and in a way, it's like an honourable thing for a team to sing about how they were able to over come you as a player as it shows how much they respect and fear you
zooadekmrz
535
it's Mbappe's fault since the beginning. he mock south American football, and when he won against him what do you expect? I'm Africa but i Will tell you without south American players there's no football, because they produced the most talented players than any other continent
eggosa91
496
mbappe the next big thing in football !!!!
Emperor10
300
Is this one too a licker room thing? Apologize to this young talented boy and stop that nonsense
eggosa91
262
Still thinking about 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑻 120+3' save from Emiliano Martinez 🧤