Advertisement

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez explains lewd trophy gesture toward France fans

 (AP)
(AP)

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has explained his bizarre Golden Glove trophy celebration which saw him thrust the object toward France fans.

Martinez was named goalkeeper of the tournament after making two saves in the penalty shootout victory in the World Cup Final, having also denied Randal Kolo Muani in the closing minutes of extra time.

He celebrated by placing the gold trophy near his crotch and thrusting it toward French supporters inside the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

After the game, he explained to Argentine radio station La Red: "I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me."

 (AP)
(AP)

Martinez was a lively presence during the shootout, showing off some extravagant dance moves after saving Kingsley Coman's spot kick and then successfully doing enough to put off Aurelien Tchouameni, who fired wide.

After the game, footage from the Argentina dressing room showed Martinez asking his team-mates for a "minute’s silence" for Kylian Mbappe, who was now "dead".

"We suffered a lot," Martinez told reporters after the game. "We thought we were in control but they managed to come back. It was a very complicated game. Our destiny was to suffer.

Lionel Messi lifts the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar - In Pictures

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy after the team’s victory during the FIFA World Cup (Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy after the team’s victory during the FIFA World Cup (Getty Images)
Argentina's captain and forward #10 Lionel Messi (R) holds the FIFA World Cup Trophy following the trophy ceremony after Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail (AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina's captain and forward #10 Lionel Messi (R) holds the FIFA World Cup Trophy following the trophy ceremony after Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail (AFP via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy after the team’s victory during the FIFA World Cup (Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy after the team’s victory during the FIFA World Cup (Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium (Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium (Getty Images)
Argentina's Lionel Messi takes pictures of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo as she holds the winners trophy after Argentina won the World Cup final soccer match against France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, (AP)
Argentina's Lionel Messi takes pictures of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo as she holds the winners trophy after Argentina won the World Cup final soccer match against France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, (AP)
Argentina's Lionel Messi sits with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo after the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP)
Argentina's Lionel Messi sits with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo after the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy as Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar (Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy as Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Lionel Messi led the celebrations after Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar (Getty Images)
Lionel Messi led the celebrations after Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar (Getty Images)
Messi has now won two major international trophies in two years following the 2021 Copa America win (Getty Images)
Messi has now won two major international trophies in two years following the 2021 Copa America win (Getty Images)

"They had one last chance to win [when he saved Randal Kolo Muani’s late shot], luckily I was able to stop it with my foot.

"This is a moment I’ve always dreamed of living, I have no words for it. I left very young for England and I would like to dedicate this victory to my family."