SportsArgentina's World Cup hopes dented: Martinez lashes out at cameraman

Argentina's World Cup hopes dented: Martinez lashes out at 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.

Emiliano Martinez attacked a cameraman
Emiliano Martinez attacked a cameraman
Images source: © X

12:08 PM EDT, September 11, 2024

The Argentina national team lost their second match in the World Cup qualifiers, which will take place in two years. The competition started 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 worse than their rivals. This time, the Colombians showed them their place (1-2) as they were 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 practice in sports television. The Aston Villa FC goalie didn't like this and decided to hit the cameraman.

Emiliano Martinez attacked a cameraman

The Argentine star's behavior 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.

Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez© Getty Images | Daniel Jayo
  • BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 05: Enzo Fernandez (L) of Argentina celebrates with teammate Emiliano Martinez after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
  • BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 05: Emiliano Martinez of Argentina celebrates after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
  • BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 05: Emiliano Martinez of Argentina celebrates after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
  • BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 05: Emiliano Martinez of Argentina celebrates with the Copa America 2024 trophy after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
  • BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 05: Emiliano Martinez of Argentina celebrates after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
  • BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 05: Emiliano Martinez of Argentina celebrates with the Copa America 2024 trophy after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
[1/6] BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 05: Enzo Fernandez (L) of Argentina celebrates with teammate Emiliano Martinez after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)Images source: © GETTY | Marcelo Endelli
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