Emi Martinez and his antics in the aftermath of Argentina's World Cup win in December were one of the sporting stories of the year in 2022.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was influential in the Argentinean victory in Qatar, making a pivotal save in the 123rd minute of the final against France from Randal Kolo Muani, before making another save in their penalty shoot out triumph.
The rise of Martinez to the top has been extraordinary, and he was undoubtedly a major reason for Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup.
Nonetheless, his shithousery and antics on and off the pitch have made him a polarising figure in the world of football.
He came under fire during Argentina's celebrations in late December, with France lodging a formal complaint over his mockery of Kylian Mbappé in Buenos Aires. This came after he had been filming mocking the French striker in the changing room immediately after the final in Doha.
It was not those antics, however, that have earned him the ire of his French counterpart Hugo Lloris.
"I can't do that" - Hugo Lloris on Emi Martinez antics
The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper announced his retirement from international football this week and, in an interview with infamous French publication L'Équipe, commented on Emi Martinez and his World Cup shenanigans.
TFW you win a World Cup final penalty shootout 🏆🏆🏆
📺 Reaction live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE
📱 Updates:https://t.co/YkNdmauNZh#ARGFRA pic.twitter.com/Ce8lA42IX1— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 18, 2022
Lloris said that he could not abide by Martinez's actions during the final penalty shootout. Lloris then threw a dig at the Argentinean keeper, suggesting he was dishonest and that he would not like to win in the manner Martinez had.
Martinez could be seen attempting to get in the head of France's Aurélien Tchouameni during the World Cup final shootout. Tchouameni would ultimately miss his spot kick, setting Argentina up to win 4-2.
Speaking to L'Équipe, Lloris said:
There are things I don't know how to do. Fooling around in goal, rattling the opponent by playing with the limit, I can't do it. I am too rational, too honest to go into that area. I don't know how to win like that, even if I really didn't want to lose like that, either.
Trying to bring about success, seeking achievement, yes. But to do like that, it's not me, I can't.
He was instrumental. Concerning his celebrations, he has been judged enough for that, no need to add anything more. He used every trick in the book to destablise us.
Lloris retires a World Cup winner, despite the disappointment in Qatar. He captained France to the 2018 crown, and once again led the team during the 2022 edition.
We can't imagine the World Cup final fallout surrounding Emi Martinez is over just yet...
SEE ALSO: Kylian Mbappe Furious With French FA President's Zinedine Zidane Comments
