Emiliano Martinez has blasted Kylian Mbappe ahead of the much anticipated 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France.
On Sunday, the two remaining teams will be going toe-to-toe at the Lusail Stadium in search of World Cup glory.
Earlier this year, France’s Paris Saint Germain superstar Mbappe claimed that South American football is not as advanced as the game in Europe.
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The forward said: “The advantage we have in Europe is that we play among ourselves with high-level matches all the time, such as the Nations League.
“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.”
Ahead of the match on Sunday, Argentina goalkeeper Martinez has slammed Mbappe for his comments.
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The Aston Villa man said: “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.”
Martinez’s teammate, Lionel Messi, who also shares a PSG dressing room with Mbappe agreed with his goalkeeper.
Messi previously told TyC Sports: “Many times we talked about that in Spain.
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“When we returned from a qualifier, we told them, 'You don't know how difficult it would be for you to qualify for the World Cup if you had to go there, at altitude, in the heat, in Venezuela’.”
In truth, the qualifying process in South America is completely different to Europe. 10 nations in the CONMEBOL battle it out for just four automatic spots and one playoff place.
Whilst 55 European countries are split into 10 groups to fight for 13 World Cup spots.
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Argentina are looking to clinch their third world title on Sunday whilst France look to defend their trophy from 2018.
Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.
Topics: Emiliano Martinez, Kylian Mbappe, Argentina, France, Football, Football World Cup
Marcus Chan