Kylian Mbappe dismisses Emi Martinez’s ‘futile’ taunts after World Cup win

Kylian Mbappé has dismissed the taunts of Emi Martínez after winning the World Cup with Argentina as “futile”.

The France striker was targeted by the Aston Villa goalkeeper during the celebrations, with Martinez calling for a minute’s silence for Mbappe and later posing during a parade with a doll representing the Paris Saint-Germain superstar.

Martínez has been widely criticized after irritating his opponents during Albiceleste’s historic run, but Mbappé has resisted the chance to respond.

“Celebrations are not my problem,” Mbappe told RMC Sport. “I don’t waste energy on such useless things.”

In addition to his antics during penalty shootouts against the Netherlands and Les Bleus in the final, Martinez made a rude gesture when he was presented with the trophy for the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

His behavior has seen him listed as “the most hated man” by former French defender Adil Rami. While Congressman Karl Olive said FIFA should rescind its best goalkeeper award.

Patrick Vieira also called Martinez’s actions “stupid”, adding: “I think some of the images I saw of the Argentinian goalkeeper take away a bit of what Argentina achieved in the World Cup,” Vieira said at the previous press conference. to the Palace party. conference.

“I don’t think they really needed that. Sometimes you can’t control people’s emotional decisions. But I think it was a stupid decision for Martinez to do that.”

Martinez will return to Bodymoor Heath on Thursday and could feature in Aston Villa’s New Year’s game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Mbappé also confirmed that there is no tension between him and his teammate Lionel Messi.

“I spoke to him after the game, I congratulated him,” added Mbappé.

“It was the search of a lifetime for him, for me too, but I failed, so you always have to be a good sport.”