Since his bad taste provocations during the 2022 World Cup final, Emiliano Martinez has despite himself built this reputation as public enemy number 1 in France. The Argentinian certainly achieved it a little better during the C4 meeting between Lille and Aston Villa, in April, but also during the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet, in October 2023 and 2024 , when he was greeted by the deafening whistles of the French public. In July, the controversy over the racist song sung by several players of the Argentine selection and particularly Enzo Fernandez, also redefined the recent rivalry established between the two nations. In an interview given to France Footballthe double winner of the Yachine Trophy spoke about all these latest events. If he says he does not blame the French public, he reprimanded the behavior of Thierry Henry’s players during the Olympic Games.
“When Argentinians do something, it’s always horrible… (compared to the racist song sung by several Argentine players in their bus, after the Copa America coronation). Enzo Fernandez is a charming guy, he’s been called a racist, but he’s not at all. I have no hatred towards France», Confided the Argentinian world champion, before continuing. The French are lovely people. When they won the 2018 World Cup, they also upset Argentina. It’s part of football. They are just rivals for us because they are good. On the other hand, I didn’t like what happened at the Olympic Games (after France’s victory against Argentina, 1-0, in the quarter-finals, in Bordeaux). The French celebrated in front of our noses, kicked us and called us arrogant. There was anger in them. The supporters pay their ticket, they can do what they want, but the players have crossed the line. There must be respect between professionals. My father was a little shocked by the whistles during the Ballon d’Or ceremony last year. That evening, in the stands, there were a few supporters. It’s normal, if Kylian Mbappé receives a trophy in Argentina, no one will congratulate him. »
