Featured Image Credit: BT Sport/Alamy
Topics: Emiliano Martinez, Argentina, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Emiliano Martinez recreated his infamous celebration in Argentina's first game since their World Cup triumph last year.
Argentina raised gold in Qatar as Lionel Messi inspired his national team to success, with Martinez also playing a big role.
He made a crucial last-minute save to deny Randal Kolo Muani in the final against France, which led to him winning the Golden Glove award.
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Martinez performed a bizarre pose with the trophy after winning the award in a gesture that didn't go down well with fans and critics.
Despite the backlash he received over his celebration, the Aston Villa goalkeeper recreated his now-iconic gesture in Argentina's first game since the World Cup.
They played Panama in a friendly, with Martinez, alongside his teammates, once again delivering the rather crude celebration.
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The decision to do the celebration in Argentina's first game in front of their home fans after winning their third World Cup split opinions amongst fans online.
One Twitter user wrote: "Yeah no. It’s embarrassing and trashy."
A second tweeted: "That's the way it should be. They don't care what haters say."
A third argued: "This is so cringe man."
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A fourth said: "I love Emi Martinez with my whole heart."
Another commented: "This is why Argentina is embarrassing."
Martinez kept a clean sheet as Argentina beat Panama 2-0 on Thursday. Thiago Almada opened the scoring in the 78th minute, with Messi converting a sensational free-kick one minute from time.
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Following the victory, Messi gave a rousing speech as he thanked the people of Argentina and revealed winning the World Cup was a moment he dreamt.
"I want to thank all of you for the affection we have been receiving. Not only for being world champions but also for the Copa America. We had said that we were going to do everything we could for this," he said.
"Personally, I have always dreamed of this moment. To be able to celebrate with you, to come to my country, to Argentina, to lift a Copa America, the Finalissima and the greatest one, which is the World Cup."