Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez has revealed that he told Kylian Mbappe to be “proud” despite being on the end of a heart-wrenching World Cup defeat.
The Aston Villa star was key to his nation claiming the World Cup in Qatar after saving penalties from Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni following a 3-3 draw after extra time. And all that was after Mbappe netted a hat-trick and Martinez appeared to be stoking the fires of a fledgling rivalry with the aforementioned France forward.
The goalkeeper called for a minute’s silence for the forward in the dressing room in Qatar and was then spotted with a doll depicting the PSG striker during the celebrations in Buenos Aires. Despite that, Martinez appeared to have consoled the Frenchman immediately after his nation’s success as Mbappe sat disappointed on the pitch.
