Since taking over as Argentina’s No. 1 player, Emi Martínez has become a key player for his country.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was instrumental in his country’s qualification for the World Cup, as well as their triumph in the Copa América and the Finalissima. And he has once again excelled in this World Cup, with his outstanding performance so far against the Netherlands, where he was the hero in the penalty shootout that took them to the semifinals.
Martinez is a fiery character who is passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve and has no qualms about messing with opponents.
And he had a lot to say about Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments about the difference between European and South American football. The PSG striker claimed that there is a difference in quality between football, as the last four World Cups were won by a European country, including France, in 2018. He said:
“The advantage we have in Europe is that we play each other with high-level matches all the time, like the Nations League.
“When we get to the World Cup, we are ready, while Brazil and Argentina do not have this level in South America. Soccer is not as advanced as in Europe. That is why, in the last World Cups, it is always the Europeans who win”.
And when asked about Mbappé’s comments during the pre-final press conference, Martínez replied:
“He doesn’t know enough about football. He never played in South America.
“When you don’t have this experience, it may be better not to talk about it. But it doesn’t matter. We are a great team, recognized as such”.
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“People can say that the favorites are France, but we have the great advantage of having the best player of all time. [in Lionel Messi].”
“We always like to hear that the rival is the favorite because we don’t feel superior or inferior to anyone. But, as I always say, we have the best player of all time. And with a good defence, we have many chances to reach the goal”.
