Sunday’s World Cup final was touted as ‘Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe’, ‘Master vs Apprentice’, ‘GOAT vs Heir Apparent’.
And as 120 of the most dramatic minutes in recent history concluded, Argentina vs France had emphatically lived up to the billing. But as the penalty shootout got underway, it quickly became clear a new leading man was ready to take his place centre stage.
Emiliano Martinez had stoked the fires before kick-off at the Lusail Stadium and already held a reputation for his antics and mind-games in previous penalty competitions. This was to be no different, with Martinez saving from Kingsley Coman before watching Aurelien Tchouameni’s effort fire wide.
In the minutes after Argentina’s World Cup triumph was confirmed, the Aston Villa keeper appeared to be winning graciously - comforting a disconsolate Mbappe. But his attitude quickly shifted from humble winner to gloating champion.
Mbappe then became the focus for much of his overzealous celebrations, with the jibes showing few signs of slowing down. Here Mirror Football takes a look at the background of the feud and how the Argentine has continued it since leaving the field in Qatar.
A lack of respect
Months before Martinez and Mbappe came head-to-head, the Frenchman incurred the wrath of South America in general. The Paris Saint-Germain striker had suggested that European sides arrive to major tournaments better prepared, with their football more advanced than in other regions.
On the eve of the final Martinez hit back: "He doesn't know enough about football. He never played in South America. When you don’t have this experience, it may be better not to talk about it. But it doesn't matter. We are a great team, recognised as such.”
A mood quickly changes
For much of the final, Martinez looked set to only play a bit-part. Argentina overwhelmed the reigning world champions and cruised into a 2-0 lead. Mbappe then brought France back into the game, scoring twice in the closing stages.
After the second of those goals in normal time, Mbappe appeared to celebrate towards his PSG team-mate, clearly doing little for France and Argentina relations.
Messi and Mbappe exchanged goals in extra time, before both scored again during the shootout. It would be the veteran on the winning side after penalties and with Mbappe on the floor, Martinez reached out to offer a consoling hand.
However, Martinez quickly went from sombre to jubilant as he performed a memorable celebration with the Golden Glove trophy. Back in the Argentina dressing room, footage circulated of the keeper dancing with team-mates, before asking for a moment of silence for Mbappe.
The trolling continues
Both sides were flown back from Qatar in the days after the dramatic scenes in Lusail. But while France’s return to Paris was a sombre one, Argentina touched down in Buenos Aires to wild scenes of chaotic celebrations.
Reports claim more than four million people lined the streets for an open-top bus tour, which was abandoned before it reached its final destination.
Before Argentina’s star disembarked for waiting helicopters though, Martinez engaged in some more Mbappe baiting after a toy of the PSG star was thrown towards him and he held it aloft while waving to the crowds.
“ Son of a b****”
While his antics have made him an icon in his homeland, to say it has divided opinion across the world would be an understatement. Many neutrals have questioned continuing to target a player who managed to put the ball past him four times during the course of the final.
Former France international Adil Rami pulled no punches in his own verdict of the Argentine shot stopper, branding him “the biggest son of a b**** in football” and “the most hated man.”
He also suggested Mbappe “traumatised” his opponents to such an extent that they were now only celebrating beating him, rather than the World Cup itself.
