A new Netflix documentary reveals the reasons behind Lionel Messi's gesture of celebrating by putting his hands to his ears, seemingly directed at manager Louis van Gaal at the 2022 World Cup.
Messi's actions were highly controversial during Argentina's quarter-final match against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. On the pitch at Lusail that day, the Argentina captain assisted Nahuel Molina for the opening goal and then doubled the lead with a penalty. After scoring, he celebrated by putting his hands to his ears and gesturing towards the Dutch technical area. "You asked where Messi was? Now where are you?" Messi said.
According to the Argentinian newspaper Ole , this celebration was also Messi's way of responding to Van Gaal on behalf of Riquelme. In the past, the Dutch strategist had not valued Riquelme at Barca, even calling the former Argentinian midfielder "a surplus player at Camp Nou".
Messi's provocative celebration after scoring a goal against Van Gaal during the Argentina-Netherlands quarter-final match at the Lusai Stadium in Qatar on December 9, 2022, was one of the most memorable moments of the 2022 World Cup. (Photo: Sportskeeda)
This information has been confirmed, as journalist Julien Laurens stated in the recently released Netflix film "Captains of the World": "Van Gaal almost ruined Riquelme's career – a player Messi considered his idol. The Dutch coach refused to give Riquelme much playing time at Barca. Back then, whenever Riquelme scored for Barca, he would perform his signature celebration with Van Gaal. Messi will never forget this."
Also in the film "Captains of the World," Messi revealed he was in regular contact with his idol Riquelme throughout the tournament in Qatar. "I've been talking to him for years. And at the 2022 World Cup, we talked after the matches," the 36-year-old striker revealed.
After the 2022 World Cup quarter-final match, Messi even went to the Netherlands' technical area. The 36-year-old striker pointed and told Van Gaal and his assistant Edgar Davids that they had said too many negative things about him and Argentina in the media before the match.
Messi pointed his finger and berated coach Van Gaal after the Argentina-Netherlands quarter-final match of the 2022 World Cup at the Lusai Stadium in Qatar on December 9, 2022. Photo: AFP
In a post-match interview with TyC Sports , caught on camera by striker Weghorst, Messi 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 shout at Weghorst: "Get out of here quickly."
A month after the tournament in Qatar, Messi admitted to having some regrets about the incident. "It was an incredibly tense, nerve-wracking moment; everything happened so fast and you didn't have time to think about anything," he told Argentinian journalist Andy Kuznetsoff. "Actually, nothing was planned; it just happened, and I didn't want to leave that impression."
Messi joined Barcelona's La Masia academy in 2000, at the age of 13. On October 16, 2004, he made his first-team debut in La Liga, coming on as a substitute for Deco in the 82nd minute of a 1-0 win against Espanyol. Riquelme arrived at Barca in the summer of 2002, but did not have the opportunity to witness Messi's development. He was only given significant playing time in his first season before being loaned to Villarreal.
At the national team level, Riquelme was once considered the most worthy successor to Maradona before Messi emerged. However, numerous injuries repeatedly prevented him from contributing to the nation and he did not win any major titles with Argentina. Riquelme only participated in three major tournaments throughout his career: the Copa America in 1999 and 2007, and the 2006 World Cup.
"Messi knows 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 their first match against Saudi Arabia, and after winning against France in the final. I always said that as long as Messi is playing, Argentina will always be highly regarded. Watching Messi play is amazing."
Hong Duy
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