Emiliano Martinez lauds Lionel Messi after Ballon d'Or ceremony almost stopped

31 October 2023 , 11:10

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Emiliano Martinez lauds Lionel Messi after Ballon d'Or ceremony almost stopped

It was an eventful Ballon d'Or ceremony for Emiliano Martinez with the Aston Villa keeper left lauding his award and Lionel Messi despite being subjected to loud jeers in Paris.

Following his exploits with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Martinez picked up the Yashin Trophy for the world's best-performing goalkeeper. And as expected, it was his iconic international teammate who took the top award, adjudged the top player on the planet for a record-extending eighth time.

But whilst the Inter Miami star was well received by the audience, it seems the French public have not forgotten the antics of Martinez in the aftermath of the final in the Middle East. As well as using his Golden Glove trophy to make obscene gestures, the 31-year-old was also filmed openly mocking Kylian Mbappe during the celebrations.

That's despite the striker undoubtedly winning the personal battle between the two before Argentina prevailed in a penalty shootout. Trailing 2-0, it was the PSG man who forced extra time by putting a penalty past Martinez before equalising with a crisp volley.

A second spot-kick later evened things up at 3-3, and when it came to the shootout, he beat the keeper for a third time from 12 yards. The behaviour of Martinez post-match was also noted by club boss Unai Emery, who vowed to speak to his No.1 on the matter when he returned to England.

Mbappe misses two penalties and open goal in one minute before going off injured

But 11 months on, he had arrived at the Theatre du Chatelet with his wife Amanda Gama to find boos ringing from fans camped outside. And during the ceremony, host Didier Drogba was forced to call for "respect" from sections of the crowd, who also mocked the Villa man with taunts about Mbappe.

(PA)

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And yet, Martinez was defiant afterwards. He took to social media to outline his pride at his award, and also hailed the 36-year-old Messi foe elevating his country to the top of international football again.

"An unforgettable day for me, my family and the people of Argentina," he wrote on Instagram. "Congratulations @leomessi for putting Argentina on the top again. #yashin #ballondor."

Martinez himself was 15th in the running for the Ballon d'Or, with another international teammate in Man City's Julian Alvarez seventh. Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez was his only other compatriot in the final list of 30, finishing in 20th place.

Fraser Watson