Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez recently tipped Kylian Mbappe to continue Lionel Messi’s legacy as a Ballon d’Or winner after the little wizard retires.
Martinez recently came under the scanner for his behavior towards Mbappe after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. Many believed the Aston Villa goalkeeper was disrespectful when he publicly mocked the French superstar.
Martinez, however, denied the claims. He first explained that his celebration should never have gone public and should have stayed in the locker room. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winner said (via GOAL):
“It’s a dressing room thing, it should never have come out. When France beat us in 2018, I remember there were chants about Messi [involving N’Golo Kante]. Same thing, if the team beats Brazil, they’ll be singing about Neymar.”
Emi Martínez on shouts about Mbappé: “A thing in the dressing room is a thing in the dressing room. When France beat us in 2018, there were chants about Messi. If the team beats Brazil, they will sing about Neymar. I have nothing personal against Mbappé. I respect him immensely. ..” https://t.co/JUzoiHwZ1z
Speaking further about the France number 7, Martinez said:
“There’s nothing personal against Mbappe. I have a lot of respect for him. If people sing about him or Neymar, it’s because they’re top players. After the final I told him it was a pleasure to play against him and he almost won fighting himself… I had confirmation that he has immense talent. When Messi retires, I’m sure Kylian will win many Ballon d’Or awards.”
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are expected to be strong contenders for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.
With Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi has once again established himself as the main contender to win the Ballon d’Or award in 2023. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ace has been in great form for his club as well. He scored 15 goals and registered 14 assists in 25 games this season.
On the other hand, Mbappe was the top scorer of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although Les Bleus did not win the trophy, they scored a hat-trick in the final. The PSG number 7 has also been in phenomenal form for his club, scoring 25 goals and providing six assists in 26 games.
Lionel Messi is a finalist for the best male player! It’s him, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe. https://t.co/lI48i6pv8D
Both superstars are expected to be leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or award in 2023. Karim Benzema is the current holder of the award.