Kylian Mbappe will win many Ballon d'Or awards”: Emi Martinez admits after World Cup controversy

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez recently tipped Kylian Mbappe to carry on Lionel Messi's legacy as the Ballon d'Or winner once the little magician retires.

Martinez recently came under the scanner for his behavior towards Mbappe after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. Many believed the Aston Villa goalkeeper was disrespectful in his public mocking of the French superstar.

Martinez, however, refuted those claims. He first explained that his celebrations should have never come out in public and should have stayed in the dressing room. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winner said (via GOAL):

"It's a locker room thing, It should never have come out. When France beat us in 2018, I remember there were chants about Messi [involving N'Golo Kante]. Same thing, if a team beats Brazil, they'll be singing about Neymar."

"There's nothing personal against Mbappe. I respect him a lot. If people sing about him or Neymar, it's because they are top players. After the final, I told him that it was a pleasure to play against him and that he almost won the match on his own... I had confirmation that he has immense talent. When Messi retires, I am sure Kylian will win many Ballon d'Or awards."

Both Messi and Mbappe are expected to be leading contenders for the Ballon d'Or prize in 2023. Karim Benzema is the current holder of the award.