Mbappe dismisses Argentina keeper Martinez’s ‘futile’ World Cup taunts

FILE PHOTO: Soccer – Ligue 1 – Paris St Germain v RC Strasbourg – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – December 28, 2022 Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe reacts REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

PARIS— France striker Kylian Mbappe shrugged off Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s taunts after the World Cup final, saying he is not “wasting energy on useless things” as he awaits the return of Paris Saint Germain team-mate Lionel Messi .

Mbappe became the second player to score a World Cup finals hat-trick as he dragged his country back into the match with a late second-half brace and an extra-time penalty, which was still not enough as Argentina won on penalties.

During the jubilant homecoming in Argentina, a group of fans presented a coffin lid decorated with a cross and a picture of Mbappe. Martinez held a baby toy with Mbappe’s face on as the bus parade opened through the capital on December 23.

“Celebration, it’s not my problem. I don’t waste my energy on useless things,” Mbappe told reporters after converting an extra-time penalty to give PSG a 2-1 win over Strasbourg in their first Ligue 1 match after the World Cup final.

“The important thing for me is to give my best for my club, and we expect Leo (Messi) to come back to keep scoring and winning matches.

Leaders PSG are now eight points clear of second-placed Lens, who visit Nice later on Thursday.

Asked about Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain Messi, who will return to the Paris club after the New Year, Mbappe said he congratulated him after the final.

“It was a life goal for him, for me too, but I failed, so you have to keep being a good sportsman,” he said.

Aston Villa coach Unai Emery said on Friday that he would speak to Martinez about the goalkeeper’s attitude during the World Cup celebrations when he returns to the Midlands club.

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