Argentina's Martinez faces backlash after assaulting cameraman

The Argentina national team lost 1-2 (0-1) to Colombia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Immediately after the game, Albicelestes goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez attacked a cameraman. This was his way of venting his frustration because the clash with Los Cafeteros was crucial for the world champions' standing in the table.

The Argentina national team lost their second match in the World Cup qualifiers, which will take place in two years. The competition started back in September 2023, and on November 17th, Lionel Scaloni's players lost a home game 0-2 against Uruguay.

Less than a year after that event, the Albicelestes once again proved to be worse than their rivals. This time, it was the Colombians who showed them their place (1-2), and who are hot on their heels at the top of the table. Right after the unsuccessful match, an unexpected situation occurred.

Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper recognized as the best in the world in 2023, thanked the opponents for the game while being recorded by a cameraman, a common action in sports television. The Aston Villa FC goalie clearly didn't like this and decided to hit the cameraman.

The Argentine star's behaviour did not go unnoticed on social media. The footage went viral, and netizens criticized the goalie harshly. They believe he committed an act that should not have occurred.

This is not the first time the goalkeeper has "earned" a reputation among people in this way. After winning the World Cup in 2022, he made a gesture that provoked many opponents by placing the trophy near his genitals. During the Argentinians' celebration after the mentioned triumph, he held an imitation trophy with a mask of Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman had beaten him three times during the World Cup final.

He repeated the gesture of placing the trophy near his genitals after winning the Copa America in 2024. Due to these actions, Emiliano Martinez has earned the title of one of the most controversial footballers in the world.