By Ramiro Diaz
The World Cup final in Qatar 2022 left an indelible mark on world football, and its echoes continue to reverberate across the globe. One of the most controversial protagonists of that final, Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez, once again found himself in the spotlight during his recent visit to France with Aston Villa.
During the Champions League match in Monaco, the Argentine goalkeeper was greeted with a deafening ovation... but not the kind he was expecting! The Monaco fans, predominantly French, did not hesitate to express their anger towards Martinez, booing him every time he touched the ball.
Why so much hatred towards Dibu?
The animosity of the French fans towards Martinez stems from the Argentine goalkeeper's controversial celebrations after lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar. Provocative gestures, such as pretending to cry with a football glove, and mockery of Kylian Mbappe, caused a great stir and ignited the passions of the French fans.
Since then, every appearance by Martinez on French soil has become a special event, not only for his sporting performance but also for the public's reaction. In Monaco, once again, the Argentine goalkeeper became the target of criticism and boos.
The rivalry transcends borders
The rivalry between Argentina and France, which intensified during the Qatar World Cup, seems to have left a deep mark on world football. Social media has become a battlefield where fans of both countries constantly clash, and every match between teams from both countries becomes a high-tension event.
For many French people, Martinez represents everything they detest about Argentine football: the cunning, the provocation, and the lack of respect for the opponent. However, for Argentines, the goalkeeper is a national hero, a symbol of the fight and the claw that characterize the Albiceleste team.
How long will this rivalry last?
It is difficult to predict how long this rivalry between Argentina and France will last. The truth is that, as long as both teams continue to face each other in international competitions, the tension between the fans will remain latent.
For now, Dibu Martinez seems to have embraced his role as the villain in France and enjoys the provocation. However, it is important to remember that football is a sport that should unite people, not divide them.
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