FIFA World Cup 2022 controversy: Lionel Messi expresses regret over his actions against Netherlands
Paris (France), January 31: Lionel Messi, the World Cup champion, expressed regret for his actions during the World Cup quarterfinals, which included wild celebrations and gestures toward Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal.
Messi and his teammates were criticised for their actions following their 2-2 tie on December 9 and subsequent penalty shootout victory. In celebration of his 73rd-minute penalty goal, the Paris Saint-Germain player ran in front of Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, cupping his hands over his ears.
During the pre-match press conference, Messi stated that the Netherlands manager made disparaging remarks about Argentina.
"I knew what Van Gaal had said but it (the goal celebration) happened on the spur of the moment. I didn't like what I did, I didn't like what happened after. These are moments of nervousness and everything happens very quickly," Messi said in an interview.
At halftime, the Argentina captain was seen arguing with Van Gaal and his assistant, Edgar Davids.
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Messi allegedly yelled at Netherlands goalkeeper Wout Weghorst during a post-game interview.
Meanwhile, despite the long wait to win the World Cup, Messi has stated that he would not have it any other way.
Argentina defeated France on penalties in Qatar to win their first World Cup in 36 years in Messi's sixth World Cup.
"I think if I had to choose the moment, it would have been this one. It's at the end of my career, closing a circle. I achieved everything with the national team I always dreamed of. I got everything in my career, individually. It was closing my career in a unique way. I never imagined that all this was going to happen to me when I started and getting to this moment was the best. I have no complaints and I can't ask for more. We won the Copa America [2021] and the World Cup, there's nothing left," Messi said.
- ANI
