"They don't know what it's like to play in South America" - Argentina star Emi Martinez hits back at Italy coach for criticism of WC qualifiers

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has hit out at Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso after he claimed South American sides had easier qualification routes. He claimed that Europeans did not understand how difficult it was for CONMEBOL sides.

Speaking to the media after the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Moldova, Gattuso said it was unfair that European sides had to go through the playoffs, as the groups were evenly balanced. He pointed out that six South American sides were getting direct qualification from the table and said (via Tribuna):

"It's not fair that six South American teams qualify directly for the World Cup and the seventh plays a playoff, while here in Europe the groups are so even. Seeing that saddens me a little."

Martinez was not happy with the comments and swiftly hit back, saying the conditions were different. The goalkeeper pointed out the difference in the quality of pitches and said:

"They [the Europeans] always play on perfect, watered courts. They don't know what it's like to play in South America."

This was not the first time the quality of South American football has been questioned. Kylian Mbappe made similar comments in 2022, saying the standards were different and that the Europeans were more advanced. He said (via Indian Express):

"In South America, football is not as advanced as in Europe, that's why when you look at the last World Cups it's always Europeans who win."

Argentina have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing on top of the qualifiers table.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi hit back at Kylian Mbappe in 2022

Lionel Messi was unhappy with Kylian Mbappe's comments and hit back at the Frenchman. The Argentina captain pointed out that the majority of FIFA World Cup winners were from South America and said (via Indian Express):

"He also said that the South American teams didn't have the same high competition as the Europeans. Everyone values what they play. The Euros are very important, but it leaves out Argentina, three-time world champion; Brazil, five-time world champion; Uruguay, two-time world champion.

"There are many world champions left out to say that the Euros is the most difficult, right? In the World Cup, the best teams are there, all the world champions are generally there. That's why everyone wants to be world champion."

Argentina went on to win the FIFA World Cup in 2022, just months after Lionel Messi replied to Kylian Mbappe.