Aston Villa’s resident wind-up merchant sent Chilean fans into a frenzy on Tuesday evening while celebrating a last-gasp winner for Argentina in the Copa America
Emiliano Martinez infuriated Chile fans by taunting them after Argentina scored a late winner in their Copa America clash.
The reigning world champions faced their neighbouring South American country in their second Group A fixture of the tournament at the MetLife stadium, New Jersey – going into the game after a 2-0 victory over Canada last week. And while the contest would be incredibly tight, Lautaro Martinez would give Argentina the win after a 88th-minute tap in at the back post off the back of a corner.
As his fellow countrymen wheeled off in celebration at the other side of the pitch, Martinez was left with the rush of the strike on his own – turning towards the Chilean fans behind his goal and sprinting towards them in jubilation. As he reached the edge of the pitch, he leapt up on to the advertising boards while thrusting his hands towards the sea of red.
And while the Chile fans were less than impressed with Martinez’s mockery – many of whom yelling angrily while flipping their middle fingers towards the 31-year-old – social media users lapped up the display. One X user wrote: “He sure knows how to start a riot.” While a second added: “No doubt the most entertaining gk in the world right now.”
A third said: “He enjoys the trolls.” And a fourth went on: “Always p****** off the opposition fans. Shameless man.” However, others were far from happy with the move, even citing that his celebration could come back to haunt him as the tournament progresses.
Another said: “Emi was not the same person when he was at Arsenal. It’s true that he found success after leaving Arsenal, but he has become arrogant since then. Individuals like him usually don’t end up well. They should take a cue from Lionel Messi, who is a true gentleman.”
Meanwhile, a fellow social media user pondered: “These might haunt him back when he face Uruguay/Colombia in later stage, hitherto, he hasn’t been much tested much.”
And it’s not the first time that Martinez has came under the cosh for his celebratory style – previously feeling the fire for his actions at the World Cup of 2022. Upon receiving his Golden Glove award, Martinez would thrust the trophy to his groin in retaliation to boos from French fans inside the Lusail Stadium.
He explained: “I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me.” Argentina would suffer a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening Group C game of the tournament in Qatar, before going on to top the group with 2-0 wins over both Mexico and Poland.
A 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16 would see them through to a tense quarter-final with the Netherlands – settled 4-3 on penalties. A 3-0 win over Croatia in the semis would pit them up against France in the final of the tournament, and while the game would be goals galore – Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria netting for Argentina and a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick for France – it would once again come down to penalties.
Argentina would ultimately run out 4-2 winners from spot kicks – with Martinez denying Kingsley Coman from 12 yards and Aurelien Tchouameni dragging his shot agonisingly wide, leading to more mental warfare from the keeper who danced off in celebration. They’re now looking to defend their Copa America crown in the United States.
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