Picture Credit: Twitter
The Lionel Messi-led Argentina outsmarted defending champions France in the nail-biting 2022 FIFA World Cup final to lift the prestigious title for the third time in the history. While Messi played a crucial role in Argentina’s historic title triumph, the Argentinian skipper attracted much criticism for his controversial behavior against Netherlands after the quarter-final match.
In a fresh development, Lionel Messi has now admitted that he didn’t like what he did, and it came out in the moment. “I did know everything that had been said before the game, what he (Van Gaal) had said. Even some of my teammates were telling me ‘Did you see what he said' on purpose", Messi said.
The Paris-Saint German star celebrated his 73rd-minute penalty goal by running in front of Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and cupping his hands to his ears. Messi claimed after the game that Van Gaal ‘disrespected’ Argentina in his ‘pregame comments.’ The Argentina captain was seen arguing with Van Gaal and his assistant, Edgar Davids, at full-time.
Reportedly, Messi also shouted at Netherlands goal scorer Wout Weghorst during a postgame interview. “What are you looking at, dummy? Go on that way, dummy. Go away", he was quoted in several reports.
The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner further admitted that he didn’t like what he did but stated that such games are moments of huge tension, huge nervousness and everything happens very fast. “One reacts the way one reacts, but nothing was planned. It just happened. I don’t like to leave that image, but these are things that happen,” the footballer asserted.
When asked to choose one of the best moments of his career, Messi said that he had to choose this (2022 FIFA World Cup) moment as the best. “I achieved everything with the national team as I always dreamed of. I got everything in my career, individually. It was closing my career in a unique way. I never imagine 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 me,” he added.