Mbappe must think I am his toy baby, says Emi Martinez

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said he has "huge respect" for Kylian Mbappe and the World Cup-winner recently had shed light on his series of controversial celebrations involving the French forward.

The 30-year-old shot stopper, who remained a pivotal figure for Argentina to clinch the Qatar World Cup on December 18 last year, stirred plenty of controversy - especially with the way he operated during the tiebreakers, his celebrations after the final and at the locker room at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, and during the open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires as well.

During Argentina's locker room celebration, Martinez was the one to call for a minute's silence for Mbappe who scored three on the night before converting a spot kick in tiebreakers.  

Emi Martinez (L) leads Argentina celebration inside locker room on December 18, 2022. Photo: Collected

"It's a locker room thing, should have never come out," he said to France media outlets.

"There's nothing personal against Mbappe. I have huge respect for him. After the final, I told him that it was a pleasure to play against him and that he almost won the match on his own."

Before the locker room incident, Martinez hogged spotlight with how he held the best goalkeeper trophy in the World Cup final's award podium, triggering a barrage of criticism towards him.

"The gesture I made with the best goalkeeper trophy was a joke with my team-mates. I had already done it at the Copa America. It lasted a second and that was it."

Controversy followed Martinez from Qatar to Buenos Aires in Argentina. He was pictured holding a baby doll with Mbappe's face glued on it, thrown by local supporters who were observing the champion's parade upon return.  

Photo: Twitter

"How can I make fun of Mbappe? He scored four past me. Four goals in a final! He must think I am his toy baby," said Martinez, currently engaged in club duty for Aston Villa in the English Premier League.