The festivities in Argentina have not stopped since the South American nation passed France in Sunday’s top game of the FIFA World Cup to clinch the title after 36 years. The final meeting turned out to be a roller coaster ride for the fans as the heart-pounding thriller came to an end with the penalties. After Argentina took the lead 2-0, Kylian Mbappé restored parity for France. Dan Lionel Messi. and Kylian Mbappé each scored a goal in extra time as the match went into the penalty shootout. Argentina defeated France 4–2 in the penalty shootouts.
A victory bus parade was held in the capital, Buenos Aires, where millions of fans gathered to congratulate and celebrate their country’s victory in one of sport’s greatest events. However, the parade had to be called off abruptly due to a huge crowd and a helicopter flight was hastily arranged. But before the parade was halted, a very peculiar moment was captured in which Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez held a baby toy with Kylian Mbappé’s face on it.
Emiliano Martinez and Messi mock and laugh at Mbappé’s mannequin, just LOL, just LOL pic.twitter.com/xqmnfAnRXM
— (@BIGdrakerr) December 20, 2022
The photo quickly went viral on social media as many fans came forward and criticized Martinez for his act.
“Classless act. Yes you are a world champion but act like one. This gesture was totally unnecessary. Plus that boy scored 4 past you in the final so no bragging either,” one fan tweeted.
Classless act. Yes, you are a world champion, but act like one. This gesture was totally unnecessary.
Plus, that kid scored 4 past you in the final, so you don’t have any bragging rights either.
— Yash (@YashSp30) December 21, 2022
“He is shameless and always wants attention,” another fan tweeted.
He is shameless and always wants attention
— Pamesritchie (@pamesritchie) December 20, 2022
“On the field, France was a superior team and Mbappé a superior player. Argentina only won the penalty shootout. No reason to make fun of Mbappé. He scored 3 goals in the final. France had injured 3 front-line players. France is a superior team.” Argentina got lucky,” another fan wrote.
Argentina won the final in Qatar 4-2 on penalties after a rollercoaster 3-3 draw for their first world title in 36 years.
That enabled 35-year-old Messi to finally crown his record-breaking career with football’s biggest prize, as he put in one of the best World Cup final performances, scoring a penalty in the first half and scoring again in extra time.
In doing so, he imitated his predecessor as Argentina’s idol, Diego Maradona, who propelled the nation to their second world title with a string of match-winning displays in Mexico in 1986.
With AFP inputs
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