A photo of Emiliano Martinez holding a baby doll with Kylian Mbappe’s face while doing a World Cup victory parade in Buenos Aires has sparked debate in Africa with the Argentina goalkeeper facing a backlash from fans.
Despite conceding four goals against Mbappe in the final at Lusail Stadium, the 30-year-old Martinez turned the hero for the Albicelestes as he stopped two penalties to deny Les Bleus a chance to defend the title.
However, his celebrations after the final whistle, left a lot to be desired, first, he mocked the 23-year-old Mbappe in the dressing room immediately after the win.
And on Tuesday during the victory parade attended by millions of fans, he turned up with a baby doll wearing Mbappe's face and this has not gone down well with a section of African fans on social media.
Below are comments from the fans as compiled by GOAL.
Martinez is an arrogant player, he is jealous of the hat trick of penalties scored by Mbappe against him and four goals in total in one match. - Hadaje Jnr
He couldn't stop four goals from him, he's making a fool of himself. - Nicholas Kimatu Mwaniki
He's too obsessed with Mbappe because of the embarrassment he received from him - Mathiang Adingo
He's jealous of Golden Boy Mbappe 🤣 he was beaten four times by Mbappe and should shut up. - Nasr Nassor Amani
This guy is taking his jokes too far. He needs to mature. You can't ridicule a guy who is incomparable to you in all respects. A man who put four past you! - Benedict Maluni
Being a goalkeeper is a matter of luck, he can't match Mbappe's speed, agility, and smooth moves when it comes to playing soccer. He should respect his age, Mbappe made him cry like a baby in front of the cameras, and a 23-year-old boy made him cry.
Mbappe's shots were too hot for him to stop any of them from shaking the net. Bitter man, give him two years, and he will have to book an appointment to meet Mbappe, or rather, someone will have to introduce him to Mbappe.
People should stick to their area of specialization, a goalkeeper should mock a goalkeeper, and the only person that should mock Mbappe is Messi. - Awinja Janet
With all these trolls I know he ought to respect him. Mbappé was able to score a total of four goals past him! That's quite enough to make him [Martinez] a fool!😣😣😣 - Jochy De Mann
He couldn't save any single shot on target from Mbappe. He will forever dream about Mbappe. - Albert Khamala
He will remember for life how Kylian Mbappe tormented him the way our dear mothers remember the torment we put them through as babies. That caption is spot on. Pushing through four goals is no joke. Three of them came from penalties and not losing any one of the penalties! That is a torment to remember for life and that baby doll may not achieve the intended pun after all. - Nelson Harun
It is ironic that Martinez is holding a toy of a man who scored a hat trick against him. Maybe the toy will forever remind him how young Mbappe terrorised him in the finals. - Nyasimi Baba Hiram
Tells you his experience with Mbappe was something he'll never forget. He'll need to outgrow it. - Catherine Njambi Mwangi
Why would he do that?? Even Leo Messi isn't happy... Mbappe just put four past him and he is disrespectful. He is big but not maturing. - Wesley Jasuba Wes
Mbappe is not your age mate yet he beat you thoroughly. The game was between Argentina versus Mbappe! - Ola
He may have won the World Cup but he will never forget how young Mbappe terrorised him and his entire team. - Moniq Muya
Not funny. He needs some growing up to do! At least Mbappe didn’t miss his penalty. - Hilda Bether
It's good they knows that Mbappe was the man to watch... it was Argentina vs Mbappe. - Chriz Wamalwa
Mbappe beat you people head down like David and Goliath...penalties were just mere luck... - Emyjay Philips
Respect is given where it's due. Mbappe outplayed him no wonder he is disrespectful to him. - Madalitso Kalua
Mbappe was his biggest challenge. The goalkeeper was really scared of Mbappe 🙂 - Josefin Nganga
Argentina police marked Mbappe the entire game but the little spaces he found he tore them apart. Even Messi knows Mbappe is a baller. Gave them a serious run for their money, - Washingtone Olukalie
I was gunning for Messi and co. but Mbappe proved to the world why he is the most feared. - Nahshon Otieno Opondo
Mbappe is his role model, Martinez wants to keep the toy as a reminder. That Mbappe gave them a hard time during the 2022 World Cup finals. Who in the World Cup has ever scored two goals within 90 seconds? That's Mbappe, great memories Martinez 😁😆 - Treasure Lele Mlambo
Mbappe was not also so graceful when Harry Kane lost his penalty for England. That is football, the passion🤣🤣🤣 - Peter Ngetich
Messi is the captain of that team. Martinez is just next to him. Why can't Messi stop him? - Suleiman KE
Mbappe has won the World cup before Martinez, he has won both team and individual honours in France. Martinez plays for Aston Villa, but he will never win any title at the club level in his lifetime. - Emmanuel Zemo
Martinez is doing right to those who thought Argentina was going to be humiliated by France... let him celebrate so that next time we may see very entertaining football. - Mic Safari
Yes... it’s true he scored many goals or whatever, but who won the World Cup this time? - Mickey Darling
Many may be reading it wrongly, what if he is trying to rope Mbappe into the celebration the best way he can? It may be showing respect to a man who made the final match memorable. He is celebrating their win with him. - Jack J. Msafiri
I think it is out of respect for him. He just recognised him. - Andrew Keror
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