Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Argentina, Football World Cup, Football, Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, France
Marcus Chan
Topics: Argentina, Football World Cup, Football, Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, France
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed what Lionel Messi said about his controversial World Cup Golden Glove celebration.
The South American champions successfully ruled the world after a dramatic penalty shootout win against 2018 champions France propelled them to glory in Qatar.
During the trophy presentation, Martinez was handed the Golden Glove accolade as he was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament after he made some crucial saves for his team, including a last-gasp stunning stop to deny France striker Randal Kolo Muani.
As he got his hands on the Golden Glove, Martinez placed the trophy on his crotch area and gestured towards the crowd as he celebrated.
Martinez was criticised for the celebration but he has since defended his actions and has revealed what Messi said to him about it.
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The Aston Villa goalkeeper 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.”
It has been reported that Argentina are the subject of an investigation by football’s governing body FIFA over their celebrations on the back of their World Cup win.
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This means that Martinez could potentially face punishment for his Golden Glove gesture.
Martinez will be back in action this weekend as Aston Villa take on Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.