World Cup celebrations in Argentina are beginning to take a slightly nasty turn with fans and players openly mocking Kylian Mbappe, following Argentina's defeat of France in Sunday's final.
Clips have surfaced online of supporters burning a cardboard coffin with the French attacker's face on it, while Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez was videoed holding a doll with Mbappe's face on it.
It is thought that the hatred towards Mbappe stems not only from the fact that he is France's best player and seen as a rival to Messi's throne, but also because of comments he made about South American football.
Argentina Fans Mock Mbappe
Argentina fans BURN a piece cardboard with Mbappe’s face on it 😳
pic.twitter.com/w7OAuCXZcs— The 𝐒ocial 𝐒cene (@TheSocialsScene) December 20, 2022
Did Martinez forget what mbappe did to him? pic.twitter.com/CUXsf3qPjF
— 🎯 (@TheVVDRole) December 21, 2022
When are we gonna talk about Argentina’s racism? Here is a body bag meant to represent Kylian Mbappe being lynched during Argentina’s World Cup winning celebrations.
There are no black players on Argentina’s squad for a reason.pic.twitter.com/gjLEhoNLNN— Imani W - Women In Footie 🟢⚫️ (@imanilfc) December 21, 2022
READ HERE: Watch: Argentina Emotional Commentary After Winning The World Cup
"The advantage we have in Europe is that we play among ourselves with high-level matches all the time, such as the Nations League," Mbappe said.
"When we arrive at the World Cup, we are ready, whereas Brazil and Argentina do not have this level in South America. Football is not as advanced as in Europe. That’s why at the last World Cups, it's always the Europeans who win."
In response to these comments, Emi Martinez gave his own, strongly worded, views on the matter.
"He doesn't know enough about football.
"He never played in South America. When you don’t have this experience, it may be better not to talk about it. But it doesn't matter. We are a great team, recognised as such."
"People can say that the favourites are France, but we have the great advantage to have the greatest player of all time.
"We always like to hear that the opponent is the favourite because we don’t feel either superior or inferior to anyone. But, as I always say, we have the greatest player of all time. And with a good defence, we have many chances to reach our goal."
SEE ALSO: Argentina vs France: Messi Shares Incredibly Emotional Moment With His Mother After World Cup Final Win
