Itâs been more than a month, but Argentinaâs success at Qatar 2022 continues to be a talking point in world soccer. After many years of wait, Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Havingfallen short in his four previous participations, the Paris Saint-Germain starâs quest for the elusive title was destined to be over in Qatar. La Albiceleste had arrived in the World Cup in high spirits, though they had to overcome many obstacles on the way.
While many remember their loss to Saudi Arabia in their debut, Argentinaâs hopes weresuddenly on the line in the quarterfinals. To say the game against the Netherlands was a heated affair would be an understatement.
Lionel Messi addresses reaction against Louis van Gaal, jab at Wout Weghorst
There was a lot of talk before the quarterfinal game, with Louis van Gaal taking a subtle shot at Messi for his lack of effort in defense. The 7x Ballon dâOr winner took it personal, later celebrating his goalin the Dutch coachâs face.
âIt came out from me naturally,â Messi told Argentine journalist Andy Kusnetzoff in Urbana Play. âSome of my teammates have told me what Van Gaal said before the game. Then we were 2-0, it all happened so fast and I didnât even think about it. When I looked back at all of thatlater â the celebration, the âAnda paâllĂĄ boboâ -I didnât like it, it wasnât planned. I donât like to leave that image, but it came out like that, there was a lot of nervousness and tension.â
Many things have been said about Argentina after that game, since they rubbed the win on the Dutch playersâ faces. In the end, the stakes were too high and both teams felt it. Only that La Albiceleste had the last laugh.
