One of the World Cup‘s closest matches took place between Argentina and Netherlands last night. Argentina led 2-0 with the help of Lionel Messi going into the 80th minute. But super substitute Wout Weghorst scored two quick goals to take the match into extra time. Emi Martinez’s heroics saw Argentina qualify for the semi-finals after winning the penalty shootout 4-3.
Argentina beat Netherlands on penalties to set up World Cup semi-final vs Croatia! 🇦🇷
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 9, 2022
Before the match had begun, Netherlands‘ coach and players were very confident of their chances against Argentina. Louis van Gaal was confident he had a way to stop Lionel Messi once the match began. Their keeper Andries Noppert was confident he could save penalties against Messi, just as Wojciech Szczesny. But it all went wrong for the Netherlands with Messi being the best player on the pitch.
An angry Lionel Messi slams Louis Van Gaal for long balls
There was a lot of tension before and during the match between Netherlands and Argentina. Tensions arose on the pitch after a tackle on Nathan Ake led to Virgil van Dijk shoving Leandro Paredes to the floor. The intensity of the much continued to rise, and even Messi had a few words to say to the Dutch coaching team. As he passed the Netherlands’ coaching team, Messi conveyed his feelings through a hand gesture.
Messi really confronted Van Gaal after the game 😳 pic.twitter.com/1h0dD7XlCd
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 10, 2022
Van Gaal had also said Messi has no part to play in the match when his team does not have possession. Messi later celebrated his goal by cupping his ears in front of van Gaal. After showing the hand gesture which indicated unnecessary talking, Messi even said a few words to Van Gaal.
Lionel Messi: “Van Gaal says that they play good football but what he did was put tall people and hit long balls”. pic.twitter.com/lfP7T6Kcdt
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) December 9, 2022
“I feel disrespected by van Gaal after his pregame comments and some Dutch players spoke too much during the game. Van Gaal sells that he plays good football and then he puts forwards in the box and starts throwing long balls. We deserved to go through and that’s what happened,” Messi spoke to the media after the match.
What did Messi say to Wout Weghorst during his post-match interview?
Wout Weghorst had an amazing impact on the game as a substitute. He scored two goals to take the match into extra time and then penalties. After the match, Weghorst was reportedly walking around the tunnel looking for Messi and had words to say to him. A video emerged of him arguing with Lautaro Martinez, Sergio Aguero, and Lisandro Martinez.
Lionel Messi to Wout Weghorst after the match: “What are you looking at, dumby? Go back there, dumby. Get back there, yes!” 😨pic.twitter.com/LaJlIgpaRy
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 10, 2022
Messi then saw the Dutch striker and said, “What are you looking at, dummy? Go on that way, dummy. Go away.” Messi was in the middle of an interview and the journalist had to ask Messi to relax. Such a heated game made even someone as level-headed as Messi react in such a way. Argentina face Croatia next in what promises to be another close encounter.
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