Qatar’s DOHA (AP) — Lionel Messi was willing to do just about everything to go to the World Cup semifinals, regardless of whether it was permitted by the rules or not.
In Argentina’s thrilling penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands, soccer fans got to see another side of Messi—a side that typically only emerges under extreme circumstances.
Everyone is aware of his amazing skills, captivating dribbling prowess, and persistent goal-scoring. However, he was present at Lusail Stadium fighting, growling, and insulting.
When it comes to Argentina’s national team, Messi snarls taunts a street-fighter attitude is never far from the surface, and it was on display against the Dutch in a game that frequently threatened to explode.
On Friday, Messi was in the thick of it all, motivated by a desire to claim soccer’s top honor at what may have been his final effort.
Not least when he paused in front of the Netherlands dugout and cupped his hands around his ears shortly after scoring a penalty to put Argentina ahead 2-0. It seemed to be a jab at outspoken Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal, who had previously stated that his squad will try to capitalize on Messi’s alleged lack of effort off the ball.
The gesture was reminiscent of a goal celebration that former Argentina playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme occasionally used. Riquelme and Van Gaal reportedly had disagreements while playing for Barcelona in the early 2000s and were forced to part ways so that Riquelme could establish himself in Spanish soccer.
At the conclusion of the match, Messi was spotted making gestures toward the 71-year-old Van Gaal and also confronting Edgar Davids, a member of the Dutch coaching team.
A World Cup game record of 17 players or coaching staff members receiving yellow cards was set, including Messi. He was given a caution for dissent in the final seconds of regulation time, although he might have been booked much earlier for purposefully patting the ball away.
After colliding with Dutch defender Jurrien Timber to end the game, Messi yelled at Spanish referee Antonio Mateu, saying he was “very harmful for us” and not “up to the standard.” He also interrupted his post-game interview on the field to yell at Wout Weghorst, who had scored both of the Netherlands’ goals.
Messi stated through an interpreter, “I have to say it was a very hard match.” “We knew it would be this way from the start because we were up against a strong national squad.
“We went through a lot of pain, and it wasn’t fair. Messi snarls taunts We engaged in the necessary play.
When Leandro Paredes hammered the ball toward the dugout from close range, the Netherlands bench emptied onto the pitch, causing some mayhem. As a brawl broke out, Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk ran up to Paredes and shoved him to the ground.
Mateu had a hard time keeping the game under control. Mateu was instantly attacked by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after blowing the fulltime whistle to start extra time. Scaloni got in Mateu’s face and had to be restrained by teammates.
Later, Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for Argentina, described the official as “useless.”
After Lautaro Martinez successfully executed the winning penalty in the shootout, Argentina’s players were unable to control their emotions. They had been standing on the midway line with their arms linked when they broke loose, and the majority of the players ran in front of the defeated Dutch players to provoke them. Nicolas Otamendi put his hands behind his ears to mimic Messi’s previous motion.
Call it conniving, the dark arts, or just plain cynicism. Argentina won’t give a damn.
Later, Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for Argentina, described the official as “useless.”
After Lautaro Martinez successfully executed the winning penalty in the shootout, Argentina’s players were unable to control their emotions. Messi snarls taunts They had been standing on the midway line with their arms linked when they broke loose, and the majority of the players ran in front of the defeated Dutch players to provoke them. Nicolas Otamendi put his hands behind his ears to mimic Messi’s previous motion.
Call it conniving, the dark arts, or just plain cynicism. Argentina won’t give a damn.
The Albiceleste have advanced to the semifinals and will play Croatia in what is expected to be a very charged and provocative situation.
Messi needs two victories to claim the World Cup, and based on this evidence, he is more motivated than ever to do so.
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