Kylian Mbappe’s recent claim that the Euro Championship is tougher to win than the World Cup hasn’t gone down well with Argentina’s World Cup winners. Leandro Paredes and Emiliano Martinez, both pivotal in Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign, have hit back at the French star’s remarks.
Mbappe, speaking ahead of Euro 2024, suggested that the European Championship poses a greater challenge than the World Cup. This comment came after his disappointment in the 2021 Euros, where France fell short.
Leandro Paredes, who shared the pitch with Mbappe at PSG, didn’t hold back. “He won the World Cup, but not the Euros. We won the Copa America, Finalissima, and the World Cup. We know the importance and difficulty of the World Cup. Let everyone say what they want,” Paredes stated.
Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s stalwart goalkeeper, echoed Paredes’ sentiments. In an interview with journalist Gaston Edul, Martinez dismissed Mbappe’s claim outright. “There is nothing more difficult than a World Cup,” he asserted.
Their strong responses reflect the pride and passion of Argentina’s players, who are gearing up to defend their Copa America title in the USA. For them, the World Cup’s global scale and diverse competition make it the pinnacle of football achievement.
Mbappe’s comments have sparked debate, but the Argentine players are standing firm. For them, lifting the World Cup is an unparalleled feat. As Euro 2024 approaches, the football world watches, but the debate over which tournament is tougher rages on.
In the end, Mbappe’s words have only fueled the competitive fire. Both the Euros and the World Cup demand the best from the world’s finest, and opinions will always differ on which is the greater challenge. But one thing is clear: Argentina’s champions aren’t backing down from defending their triumph.
