The Argentine's idiosyncrasy is like that: strong, rude, and, to some, arrogant and even rude, but that's their way of experiencing football, life. Everything they've ever had in common has always been a ball, the game of whatever it takes, but it must end in victory. They've also had a sense of community, persistence and never giving up, never letting themselves be intimidated by adversity, much less by a rival.
To find an example of all these characteristics, in addition to his unbridled passion, is Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, the unknown Argentine goalkeeper at Russia 2018 and now, four years later, a champion with his country at Qatar 2022.
In Colombia, he was especially hated by many for his arrogant gestures toward the Colombian national team players during the penalty shootout in the 2019 Copa América semifinals.
However, and although it may be difficult for Colombians to understand, the goalkeeper has gone through extremely difficult times; his path to glory has not been easy, and this is why he is so over-the-top in his celebrations, leading him at times to even lose the respect of his colleagues, a respect he quickly regains.
😱 Watch out for Dibu Martínez during Argentina's locker room celebrations.
🎶 Shhh, a minute of silence for Mbappé who is dead!pic.twitter.com/R8Dw0F01KZ
“A minute of silence… for Mbappé,” sang the newly crowned Argentine players on Sunday after beating the French national team and the French superstar in the 2022 World Cup final (4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw).
In a video posted on social media, the Argentines are seen singing around a table in their locker room.
“One minute of silence,” the players chanted, before stopping the chant. And it's goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, one of the heroes of the final, who answers: "...for Mbappé."
The French striker made World Cup history by becoming the first player since England's Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a hat trick in the tournament final: he scored two penalties (80, 118) and scored another goal with a powerful half-volley (81).
However, it was not enough for France to become champion, Argentina scored a brace from Lionel Messi (minutes 23, 108) and a goal from Ángel Di María (minutes 36). Argentina prevailed in the penalty shootout.
Mbappé was particularly booed by the Argentine crowd at Lusail Stadium, both before the match and when he collected his Qatar 2022 top scorer trophy. Many recalled his words from May when he said that South American football was not as advanced as European football, which caused discontent in several countries in the region, including Argentina.
The Dibu Martinez they won't show you. Dibu Martinez comforting Mbappé and bringing him to a standstill. Eternal greatness. pic.twitter.com/at9MmsXNec
The cameras weren't as fair and they stuck with that image that's now making its way around the world, but Martínez also has his human side, and that was reflected when, in the midst of his celebrations with Argentina, he went in search of French star Mbappé to approach him and dedicate a few words to him, amidst his disappointment at having lost minutes earlier.
Finally, in a caravan that took the players through the streets of Doha, the world champion goalkeeper and star of his team gave another demonstration of his patriotic love with the Argentine flag.
This time, through a live which he posted on his Instagram account, where he said: “The most beautiful flag in this world, guys. Always, always be proud of where you were born, always proud of this country. We are the most beautiful country, enjoy it., while waving a flag and holding the gold medal around his neck.
"THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FLAG IN THIS WORLD.
AND ALWAYS, ALWAYS, BE PROUD OF WHERE YOU WERE BORN.
ENJOY, THIS IS FOR EVERYONE."
🤳 The Drawing, @emimartinezz1. pic.twitter.com/NUp5MuRdgm
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