EMI MARTINEZ demanded a minute’s silence “for Mbappe who is dead” amid Argentina’s World Cup semi-final celebrations.
The Argentine goalkeeper played a key role in helping his side to a historic World Cup final victory over France earlier today.
Martinez, 30, made a crucial, spectacular save from Randal Kolo Muani in the closing seconds of extra time.
And he made himself a hero to his fellow countrymen during the shoot-out, psyching out Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni as his side won 4-2 on penalties.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was booked for unsportsmanlike conduct for throwing the ball away before Tchouameni’s spot kick, but couldn’t care a jot after getting his hands on the trophy.
Argentina stars took part in wild dressing room celebrations after the match, with footage captured by Sergio Aguero among others.
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In one clip, Martinez and Co are claimed to have jokingly demanded a moment’s silence while taking part in a Conga with his pals.
The stopper and his team-mates sang in Spanish: “A minute of silence.”
Martinez shushed his pals before continuing: “For Mbappe who is dead!”
The victorious Argentina stars then continued dancing and singing.
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Amid the celebrations, one star was caught on camera sensationally somersaulting into a bin.
Much more singing and dancing followed, with tournament sponsors Budweiser leaving plenty of bottles of beer out for the squad.
Lionel Messi then sensationally returned to the dressing room clutching the World Cup itself, clambering up onto the table and jumping up and down on it.
Boss Lionel Scaloni then arrived donning a retro Argentina shirt, and was promptly drenched by his players.
Messi had just had to go toe-to-toe with his club pal Kylian Mbappe in order to come out on top in this classic encounter.
The 35-year-old got his side off to the perfect start on 23 minutes, tucking away a penalty awarded for Ousmane Dembele’s light shove on Angel Di Maria.
He was involved in his team’s second goal 13 minutes later, his flick setting up a brilliant counter-attack that resulted in Di Maria making it 2-0.
It appeared that Argentina would ease to victory from this point, but Mbappe had other ideas.
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His quick-fire late double sent the match into extra time, during which Messi again put his side in front.
But once again, Mbappe would level, before Martinez’s antics helped win the subsequent shoot-out for Argentina.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
