Lionel Messi gave his first interview after winning the World Cup in Qatar and reviewed the 2022 World Cup.
Talking to the radio station Urbana Play the Argentinian superstar recalled the day that changed everything and also spoke about the memorable World Cup quarter-finals win against the Netherlands. (DATA: World Cup schedule 2022)
Despite his delight at winning the title, Messi said he wasn’t at all happy with the events of the Elftal game. Messi had clashed with Oranje coach Louis van Gaal and striker Wout Weghorst, among others.
“I didn’t think about it, it just happened that way. I knew everything that was said before the game, what he (van Gaal) said. Even some of my teammates said to me on purpose, ‘Did you see what he said?'” the 35-year-old told the radio show street dogs. (NEWS: How Messi conquered the past)
“Well, after all this, I have to admit that I don’t like what I’ve done. But well, there are moments of great tension, great nervousness and everything happens very quickly. You react the way you react, but nothing was planned. It just happened. I don’t like to see these pictures, but these are things that happen,” Messi explained in an interview with Andy Kusnetzoff.
World Cup 2022: Van Gaal provokes Messi before the quarterfinals
After the thrilling 911 thriller and semi-finals, several Argentina stars made derogatory gestures towards the dejected Dutchman. Messi himself not only celebrated in front of the Dutch bank, but also provoked Bond coach van Gaal and his staff!
The former Bayern coach had, among other things, before the start of the game after learning that the Albiceleste were playing with a five-man chain NOS explains: “The line-up shows that they are a bit scared of us. It’s good for us tactically because they have a striker down and the pressure is all on Messi’s shoulders.”
The change is “advantageous” for Oranje. In addition, van Gaal had said that it was “not that difficult to find an answer on how to stop Messi”, the superstar “does not participate much in the game when the opponent is in possession of the ball”. The Bonds coach had repeatedly emphasized that he had practiced penalty shootouts with his team.
Messi explained at the time that he didn’t like those words and then made it clear in front of the Dutch bench as well, saying after the game: “Van Gaal says they play good football but what he did was bring in big people and to hit long balls.”
Still, this move at least got the Netherlands into overtime after being 2-0 down before losing on penalties.
Argentina’s superstar to Weghorst: “What are you looking at, you idiot?”
In addition to van Gaal, Weghorst also got his fat in the catacombs of the Lusail Stadium when Messi scolded the former Wolfsburg player in front of the cameras in an interview with TycSports.
“What are you looking at, you idiot?” asked the Paris Saint-Germain striker as Weghorst, who had earlier put Oranje in extra time with two goals, passed behind him. (NEWS: Weghorst explains Messi-Zoff)
Messi explained his unusual performance a little later in the mixed zone. Weghorst talked the whole time after he was substituted on the pitch. “The 19 (Weghorst, editor’s note) came in and started provoking us, pushing us and telling us things. I respect everyone, but I also want to be respected,” said the PSG star. The statements were finally made in the heat of the battle.
The Dutch national striker was very disappointed with the superstar at the time: “I wanted to shake his hand after the game, I have a lot of respect for him as a footballer. But he slapped my hand away and wouldn’t speak to me.” (NEWS: Van der Vaart watches Messi ab)
Messi remembers Maradona and the trophy kiss
Messi explained in the interview that he has not yet watched the final against France again and also spoke about the late football legend Diego Maradona.
