Emiliano Martinez went to extreme lengths to win the World Cup for Argentina - but showed his class as the dust settled and celebrations began.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez caught the eye with his penalty shoot-out antics. He was regularly speaking to France stars as they stepped up to the spot, danced after making a save and threw the ball away from Aurelien Tchouameni before he fired his spot-kick wide.
It contributed to Kylian Mbappe's remarkable World Cup final hat-trick being in vein as Argentina lifted the iconic trophy and the French superstar was left heartbroken. However, Martinez took the time to step away from celebrations and seek out Mbappe to comfort him after a remarkable game.
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Footage showed Mbappe sat looking inconsolable before Martinez made his way over and offered some words of support. He eventually helped Mbappe to his feet as they shook hands before going their separate ways.
Martinez then joined the celebrations with his Argentina teammates as they soaked up the moment in front of their thousands of travelling fans. Martinez had further cause for celebration as he was awarded with the Golden Glove award for his displays over the course of the tournament.
Before the final, Martinez responded after Mbappe claimed earlier this year that South American countries would be at a disadvantage against their European counterparts in Qatar.
Mbappe said ahead of the tournament: "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, where 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."
Ahead of the final, Martinez was asked about those comments and said: "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, but nothing was wrong with what he said. They know we are a world class team and they respect us for that."
After the game, Ian Wright praised Martinez for making the difference. He said on ITV Sport: "It does make the difference when you’re coming out against a goalkeeper who is imposing as Emi Martinez. Getting the ball, throwing it away, giving you a couple of seconds to think about where you’re going to put it."
Gary Neville added: "He always seems to guess the right way and it has to be perfect. What he makes you do is be too precise and that’s when it goes past the post.
"He was messing with the player’s heads and the referee should’ve stamped on it earlier. Well done to him, this Argentina team will do anything, anything, to win."
