Emiliano Martinez has stocked the fire of enmity between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at PSG. The Aston Villa goalkeeper taunted the World Cup top scorer following their victory in Qatar.
The World Cup is over, but the effects reverberate beyond the shores of Qatar. It was a bitter-sweet tournament, as it left different flavours of memories. For Lionel Messi supporters, it was the best World Cup ever as it is an opportunity to claim their idol is the greatest of all time.
Others believe the competition was not on an even keel. They argue there was a script to favour certain parties, and the inconsistency in the officiating leaves an unpalatable taste on the palates. With every shenanigan in Qatar, the World Cup is over, and Argentina won it for the third time. It is perhaps the most controversial of all World Cup tournaments, next to the 2002 edition.
Two Paris Saint-Germain stars were the highlights of the World Cup, and there seems to be no love lost between the pair. There was tension at the Parc des Princes following the arrival of Lionel Messi, but it seems to have taken another dimension following the outcome of the World Cup final.
Emiliano Martinez stocks the fire of enmity between Mbappe and Messi
Despite the heroics of Kylian Mbappe at the World Cup, where he emerged as the top scorer, the Frenchman has come under attack from Argentine goalkeeper Martinez. The Aston Villa goalkeeper, who has shown to be a classless fellow, taunted Mbappe continuously and set the tone for a frosty reunion at PSG.
Argentina beat France in the final of the World Cup via penalties, with Mbappe becoming just the second player to score a FIFA World Cup final hat-trick. It was not enough to give France victory over Argentina. Les Bleus could have become the first nation since Brazil to win the World Cup back-to-back.
Martinez was spotted celebrating with a doll that bore the face of the Frenchman after Mbappe questioned the strength of the South American nations.
Perhaps the character of Messi should be questioned, as he was with Martinez throughout the victory parade whilst he held the mocking doll. Messi did not appear to quash the brash and insulting celebrations. It has led to questions over tensions between the pair at PSG.
PSG boss tries to douse tension between Mbappe and Messi
Following the outcome of the World Cup final match between France and Argentina, PSG boss Christophe Galtier has moved to douse any seeming tension between the pair. Galtier believes Messi should not be involved in the actions perpetrated by Emiliano Martinez.
Galtier said what matters to him is the relationship between Messi and Mbappe. He defended Mbappe, saying he had a good attitude despite losing. He congratulated Messi after the game. It is a good thing for the club and the team.
Messi and Mbappe have a tough assignment in the New Year and need to come together effectively if they and PSG are to achieve their goals this season. PSG sit atop Ligue 1 and face Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League. PSG is yet to win the Champions League and believes their collection of stars could deliver the Holy Grail for them.
