Kylian Mbappe has upset Man Utd star with comments ahead of Euro 2024

Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has been upset by Kylian Mbappe's recent comments about the European Championship being tougher to win than the World Cup.

Mbappe, who has made a high-profile move to Real Madrid, ending any speculation he could end up at Liverpool once and for all, stirred debate by claiming on the eve of the Euros: "In my opinion, it's a more challenging competition than a World Cup."

He also noted the long drought for France, saying: "It's very tough starting from group stages. It's a competition we haven't won for 24 years, which is huge."

READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe lauds 'super' Liverpool player who was out of favor under Jurgen Klopp
READ MORE: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both saying same thing about retiring

Martinez, who watched from the bench as Argentina edged past Mbappe's France in the World Cup final in Qatar last year, disagreed with the Frenchman's assessment. Speaking to Clarin, the Argentinian international made it clear he does not agree with Mbappe's comments.

He said: "I leave his opinion up to him; I have a different view of things, I don't underestimate nor assume anything, all competitions are very hard to win."

The defender is gearing up for another shot at glory in the Copa America this summer, where he'll be part of the Argentine squad looking to retain their crown. With the tournament approaching, Argentina aims to clinch their 16th Copa title and draw level with Uruguay's record.

'The Butcher', as he's affectionately dubbed by the Manchester United faithful, has emphasized the importance of humility in clinching titles like Copa America. He drove the point home, saying: "The key to this group is its humility. We know what we've won and how important it is, but we want to keep winning. The important thing is to stay grounded; that's what makes us who we are. We go match by match knowing how important this team is."

After a season that culminated in FA Cup glory for Manchester United with a 2-1 victory over their city rivals, the £57million signing reflected on a season marred by injuries that kept him off the pitch for 188 days. Martinez shared his reflections on the challenging season.

Reflecting on the ups and downs of the past season, he remarked: "It wasn't a good season personally and as a team either. But one has to be prepared for when these things happen, these types of injuries. And you have to learn from them. I have to take it as an experience and be very strong physically and mentally. Today I feel excellent. I have to focus on what's happening now, in the present."

READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe exit could pave way for PSG to revisit Liverpool transfer after $240m boost
READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk's Cristiano Ronaldo snub could prove awkward after Liverpool transfer 'approach'

The upcoming tournament will have a special significance for Argentina as it marks Angel Di Maria's final bow on the international stage. The former Manchester United player, who has been instrumental in Argentina's recent successes including their Copa America win in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, and their World Cup triumph later that year, had announced his retirement from international football last season.

Martinez spoke about Di Maria's looming departure, emphasizing that while it's a notable event, it doesn't detract from the team's focus or the strong bond among the players. He highlighted how the squad values their time together and recognizes Di Maria's immense contribution to the team.

"In the field, we don't talk about that at all. When you're here, you come and enjoy. We see 'Fide' (Di Maria's nickname) very happy and we stick with that," Martinez remarked. "There's no need to say we're going to fight for him. We try to enjoy every second with him, in training and matches, because we know what kind of legend he is."