‘Toddler’ - Emi Martinez hit with fresh dig from manager over ‘childish’ World Cup celebration

Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has come under scrutiny once again for the manner of his celebrations after the World Cup final. The former Arsenal man was crucial to Argentina winning the competition in Qatar as he was awarded the Golden Glove for three clean sheets, but his off-field antics ended up being a matter of hot debate.

Ever since the day of the final, headlines have been littered with Martinez’s actions off the pitch rather than on it. Just minutes after the full-time whistle, Martinez was handed the Golden Glove award and he then performed a thrusting action as he held the trophy in his midriff.

Many reacted to that particular action with disgust, whereas others found it entertaining, as a few images of the moment went viral on social media in the hours and days following. The remarks, which were deemed ‘disrespectful’ by some fans and pundits, and ‘hilarious’ by others, did not stop there as Martinez made a direct taunt to Kylian Mbappe while on an open-top bus in Argentina.

The Villa goalkeeper, who was standing near the front of the vehicle, was spotted laughing as he carried a baby-sized doll with Mbappe’s face printed on it. This went on to make national and international headlines - bringing even more attention to the events, but Mbappe decided to stay rather quiet rather than slam Martinez for his actions.

Now, though, weeks on from the incidents, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has commented on Martinez. The manager spoke both for and against his goalkeeper, backing him ultimately but honest enough to call out Martinez’s wrongs. “There are attitudes with which Dibu Martinez will not be happy, but he is a spectacular boy,” Scaloni said via Football Espana.

“He was one of the discoveries that gave us enormous joy. He has a personality that has given the group a lot. There are attitudes, but he is a toddler. He is a toddler. It is incredible how good a boy he is [though], you have to get to know him,” Scaloni continued.

Martinez may have the support of his international boss, but both he and Argentina’s national team are being investigated by FIFA as it stands. “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Regulations,” a statement from FIFA reads.

On the pitch itself, Martinez has established himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world as he has recently been shortlisted for The Best Men’s Goalkeeper Award. He also pulled off one of the most impressive saves of the Premier League season so far, with an outrageous stop to deny Leeds United winger Jack Harrison from point-blank range last Friday.