Emi Martinez has opened up about his celebration with the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove award stating that even Lionel Messi asked him not to do it. The Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper had already done this celebration at the Copa America 2021. Messi had asked him not to repeat the gesture, however, he went on to defy his skipper.
Explaining his celebration, Martinez said, “Do I regret the celebrations? Well, there are things I wouldn’t do again in the same way, I didn’t set out to hurt anyone. Throughout my career, I’ve played with French people and I’ve never had a problem… You can ask Giroud what kind of person I am. I really like French culture and mentality”.
“The gesture I made with the best goalkeeper trophy was a joke with my teammates. I had already done it at the Copa America, and they all said to me: ‘No way’ to do it again. Even Leo told me that. I did it for them, nothing more. It lasted a second and that was it”, he further added.
Martinez was the hero for the Argentine national team in the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Messi scored a brace while Kylian Mbappe scored a fantastic hattrick to keep both the teams level at 3-3 after 120 minutes.
In the penalty shootouts, Martinez saved one, while another French player missed. This helped Argentina become champions of the world with a final score of 3(4)-3(2).
FIFA is investigating the Golden Glove celebration done by Emi Martinez
Martinez might yet face punishment for his actions at the World Cup celebrations. After a month of Argentina winning the tournament, FIFA announced that it was investigating the issue.
FIFA’s statement read: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 11 (Offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play) and 12 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as well as of article 44 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Regulations in conjunction with the Media and Marketing Regulations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, during the Argentina v. France FIFA World Cup final.”
Martinez continued his controversial celebration in the dressing room as well. The goalkeeper reportedly mocked French attacker Mbappe when the entire Argentine team sang while dancing “a minute’s silence for…”, then Martinez shouted, “.. for Mbappe who is dead..” Martinez was also spotted with a doll of a baby that had Mbappe’s cutout stuck on its face.
Source: www.sportsmanor.com
