Hugo Lloris has criticised Emiliano Martinez for “crossing the line” and making a fool out of himself during the World Cup final.
Martinez was a key member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in Qatar, with his performances in goal helping Lionel Scaloni’s side on countless occasions. But the Aston Villa goalkeeper’s behaviour, throughout the tournament and after the victory on penalties over France, drew widespread criticism.
The 30-year-old tried to intimidate France’s penalty-takers during the shoot-out, celebrated winning the Golden Glove award with a lewd gesture and sparked a personal feud with Kylian Mbappe. He was dubbed the “most hated Argentine” by the French media – and clearly annoyed his opposite number Lloris too.
Lloris announced his retirement from international duty on Monday, bringing an end to a 14-year career that brought 145 caps and the 2018 World Cup trophy. And he could not help taking a swipe at Martinez as he bowed out.
“There are some things I can’t do,” Lloris told L’Equipe. “Making a fool of myself in goal, rattling my opponent and crossing the line… I just can’t do that. I’m too rational and honest a man to go that way. I don’t know how to win like that, although I didn’t really want to lose like that either.“
Martinez’s actions may have proven controversial, but they were certainly effective. After making a crucial stop to deny Randal Kolo Muani one-on-one in extra-time, he dominated the resulting shoot-out after the game finished 3-3.
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The Argentina goalkeeper saved from Kingsley Coman and also benefited from Aurelien Tchouameni dragging his effort wide. Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes and Gonzalo Montiel all scored their attempts to give Argentina a third World Cup win, and their first since 1986.
Martinez was particularly disrespectful towards Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the final but still finished on the losing side. After consoling him on the pitch after the shoot-out, he then undid his kindness by calling for a minutes' silence for the France forward when inside the Argentina dressing room.
Mbappe has done his best to move on and will not be drawn into a feud with Martinez. "They are not my problem. I don't have the energy to waste on such futile things,” he said after scoring in a 2-1 win for Paris Saint-Germain over Strasbourg last month.
"I'll never digest it. But like I told my coach and teammates, there's no reason that my club should pay for a defeat with my national team, it's two different situations."
Martinez has said he only amped up his actions when he heard the French fans booing him when he went to pick up his Golden Glove award. “I did it because the French booed me,” he stated. “Pride does not work with me.”
