Emiliano Martínez has told GOAL that his respect for Kylian Mbappé runs deep, and he has kept the controversy about the dolls to a minimum, choosing to let the football do the talking on the field. The goalkeeper, praised by many as the best in the world by FIFA’s The Best awards, has become a central figure for Aston Villa in the Premier League and a hero for Argentina after helping the national team lift the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. His performance in the final against Mbappé became the stuff of legend, a match that will be recalled for years as one of the most dramatic showdowns in football history. Mbappé struck a historic hat-trick, becoming the first player to do so in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst in 1966, but Martínez’s resilience and shot-stopping heroics kept Argentina in contention throughout the game and into a nerve-wracking shootout.
When the tension peaked, Martínez showed remarkable composure. He saved shots, calmed teammates, and finally helped steer Argentina to glory in the penalty shootout. The moment sparked celebrations that stretched from Lusail to Buenos Aires, as the Albiceleste recognized him as a pivotal figure in their World Cup triumph and awarded him the Golden Glove for his goalkeeping excellence. The night was a roller-coaster of emotion for Dibu, whose energy and leadership under pressure became a defining image of the tournament.
Martínez himself later addressed the doll incident that drew international attention. He explained that his actions were intended as lighthearted fun and that he did not mean to offend anyone. Yet the episode ignited debate about sportsmanship and the line between celebration and provocation. He acknowledged there were many toys and distractions on the bus parade and noted that the reactions reflected the magnitude of the moment—millions of fans celebrating in various ways. In his view, the incident was simply a party, not a gesture aimed at disrespecting Mbappé or anyone else, and he made clear that his respect for Mbappé remains intact.
In the wake of those events, Martínez reflected on the broader landscape of football and the way stars interact with the media and fans. He spoke about Mbappé’s status as a world-class player, praising his speed, power, and precision, while also highlighting the value of learning from leaders within the sport. When asked whether Mbappé could glean lessons from Lionel Messi, Martínez responded affirmatively. He called Messi the best player ever and suggested that wisdom from Messi, Neymar, and other top players travels across teams, helping everyone to raise their game. The remarks underscored a shared sense of admiration among top-level professionals for Messi’s influence and leadership on and off the field.
Martínez’s relationship with Messi has not been casual. He has benefited from training and mentoring with the Argentine captain, an influence that helped him rise to the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award at the FIFA Best Awards. His role in Copa América and World Cup-winning squads during one memorable 18-month period has been cited as a defining chapter in his career. In discussions with GOAL, Martínez suggested that his own career trajectory feels almost complete, describing it as a culmination of years spent chasing big moments and pushing the limits of what a goalkeeper can achieve. He even playfully described his career as having reached a point where many fans view him as a central figure in modern Argentine football, while still remaining focused on future challenges and opportunities for growth. Throughout the conversation, the goalkeeper maintained a clear sense of perspective, acknowledging the importance of his teammates, coaches, and supporters in reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
For fans who want a deeper dive into Martínez’s insights, the full dialogue is available in the special Box to Box feature on GOAL’s YouTube channel, where he expands on his experiences during the World Cup and the subsequent celebrations. The interview offers a candid portrait of a goalkeeper who combines relentless work ethic with a genuine passion for the game, and it confirms why he is regarded as a benchmark for excellence in goalkeeping in contemporary football.
Note: GOAL covers this story as part of ongoing coverage of Argentina’s triumph and the ongoing careers of its star players, including Mbappé and Messi, who continue to shape the narrative of international football in North America and beyond.