Why did Messi provoke Van Gaal?

A new Netflix documentary reveals the reasons why striker Lionel Messi celebrated by placing his hands close to his ears aimed at coach Louis van Gaal at the 2022 World Cup.

Messi had many controversial actions when Argentina met the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup. At Lusail Stadium that day, the Argentina captain assisted Nahuel Molina to open the score and then doubled the gap with a penalty kick. After scoring, he celebrated by placing both hands next to his ears and facing the Netherlands technical area. "You asked where is Messi? Where are you now?", Messi said.

According to the Argentine newspaper Ole , this celebration was also Messi's way of responding to Van Gaal on behalf of Riquelme. In the past, the Dutch strategist did not value Riquelme at Barca, even saying that the former Argentine midfielder was "redundant at Camp Nou".

The image of Messi celebrating a goal in a provocative manner towards Van Gaal in the Argentina - Netherlands quarter-final match at Lusai Stadium, Qatar on December 9, 2022 was one of the notable moments at the 2022 World Cup. Photo: Sportskeeda

This information has been confirmed, when in the movie "Captains of the World" just premiered on Netflix, journalist Julien Laurens said: "Van Gaal almost ruined the career of Riquelme - the person Messi considered an idol. The Dutch coach refused to let Riquelme play much at Barca. At that time, whenever Riquelme scored a goal for Barca, he performed his signature celebration with Van Gaal. Messi never forgot this".

Also in the film "Captains of the World", Messi revealed that he was in constant contact with his idol Riquelme throughout the tournament in Qatar. "I spoke to him for many years. And at the 2022 World Cup, we spoke after the matches," the 36-year-old striker revealed.

After the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, Messi also went to the Netherlands technical area. The 36-year-old striker pointed and told Van Gaal and his assistant Edgar Davids that before the match they had said too many bad things in the media about him and Argentina.

Messi pointed and scolded coach Van Gaal after the Argentina - Netherlands match in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup at Lusai Stadium, Qatar on December 9, 2022. Photo: AFP

In a post-match interview with TyC Sports , Messi caught Weghorst's gaze and said, "What are you looking at, you idiot?". The reporter immediately stopped the 35-year-old superstar and brought him back to the interview. But Messi still tried to say to Weghorst, "Get out of here."

A month after the tournament in Qatar, Messi admitted to having some regrets about the action. "It was a very tense moment, very exciting, everything happened very quickly and you didn't have time to think about anything," he told Argentine journalist Andy Kuznetsoff. "Nothing was planned, it just happened and I didn't want to leave an image like that."

Messi joined Barca's La Masia academy in 2000, at the age of 13. On October 16, 2004, he made his debut for Barca's first team in La Liga, replacing Deco in the 82nd minute of a 1-0 win over Espanyol. Riquelme joined Barca in the summer of 2002, but did not have the opportunity to witness Messi's development. He was only used by Barca in his first season before being loaned out to Villarreal.

On the national team level, Riquelme was considered the most worthy successor to Maradona before Messi appeared. However, countless injuries repeatedly prevented him from contributing to the country and he did not win any major titles with Argentina. Riquelme only participated in three major tournaments throughout his career: Copa America 1999, 2007 and World Cup 2006.

"Messi knows that I love him very much, we talk often and have a very good relationship," Riquelme added about his relationship with Messi. "I texted Messi when Argentina lost the first match against Saudi Arabia, and after beating France in the final. I always said that as long as Messi plays, Argentina will always be appreciated. Seeing Messi play is wonderful."

Hong Duy

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/vi-sao-messi-khieu-khich-van-gaal-4697153.html