In France, a government minister has called on FIFA to examine the sharp insults directed at national star Kylian Mbappe by certain Argentine supporters. The situation has drawn fresh attention to how fans react to high-stakes matches and the way national teams are perceived during global tournaments.
During celebratory moments after Argentina’s World Cup victory, onlookers observed a makeshift coffin lid bearing Mbappe being set alight, a stark image that sparked international discussion about sportsmanship and the boundaries of celebration and provocation.
The discourse surrounding Mbappe extended to remarks from Emiliano Martinez, the Argentina goalkeeper, who publicly expressed strong opinions at the awards ceremony following the final. He also responded to Mbappe’s comments about Latin American football by suggesting that Mbappe did not fully understand the nuances of the game. Such exchanges underscored the intense rivalry between the teams and the emotions tied to a championship showdown.
In the locker room after the triumph, Martinez observed a moment of silence in Mbappe’s honor, a gesture that appeared to blend solemnity with the electric atmosphere of a team celebration. On the way home, images circulated showing a doll featuring Mbappe’s face, seemingly presented as a keepsake for fans to mark the historic win and the competitive narrative that accompanied it.
In the World Cup final, Argentina defeated France, claiming the coveted trophy after a dramatic contest that ended regulation time at 2-2 and extended into extra time with a 3-3 scoreline. The decisive moments came in the subsequent penalty shootout, where Argentina demonstrated greater precision to secure the victory and lift the championship trophy.
Historically, commentators have noted that Argentines celebrated their World Cup success with enthusiasm that some observers felt eclipsed the moment of being crowned world champions, highlighting how the emotional arc of victory can shape public perception and football culture across continents.