It’s been virtually a 12 months since Argentina defeated France in a thriller to win their third World Cup title on the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick for France within the last, however the Lionel Messi facet prevailed 4-2 on the penalties towards the two-time champions. Messi and Argentina’s marketing campaign kicked off with a 1-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia, however the Albiceleste turned issues round rapidly, profitable their subsequent two video games towards Poland and Mexico to safe a protected passage into the Round of 16.
Argentina edged out Australia in pre-quarterfinals with a 2-1, establishing a conflict with Netherlands within the Last 8.
The match towards Netherlands was a cagey affair as Argentina virtually squandered a two-goal lead earlier than finally prevailing 4-Three on penalties.
After Nahuel Molina and Messi had given Argentina a 2-Zero lead, second-half substitute Wout Weghorst got here off the bench to attain twice, sparking wild celebrations within the Dutch camp.
The pre-match vibe was additionally fiesty particularly after Netherlands supervisor Louis Van Gaal criticised Messi, who then went on to have fun his purpose in entrance of the Dutch camp.
After placing Argentina 2-Zero up, Messi got here dashing to the Dutch dugout and did an iconic celebration, the place he lined his ears together with his palms.
During a latest chat, Messi has revealed the explanation behind his celebration, and the way he immediately regretted his gesture.
“I came up with the ‘Topo Gigio’ (named in honor of a cartoon character, a goal celebration in which a player puts his hands to his ears as a sign of defying someone) right there and I automatically regretted it. As soon as I did it I thought: ‘What an idiot. They can still tie or win it.’ These things usually happen,” Messi informed Star+ Argentina throughout an unique interview.
“It bothers me when people talk off the field and disrespect the opponent. Before the game, I didn’t try to make Van Gaal angry, I didn’t disrespect him, I never did that, and I don’t like them to do that to me. I think Van Gaal did it with intention and their goalkeeper also spoke before the match. I don’t like these things at all. I’ve never been like this. On the field a million things can happen but it has to stay on the field,” he added.
Players from each side have been concerned in an unpleasant spat and the referee dished out 14 yellow playing cards, whereas Netherlands proper again Denzel Dumfries was despatched off late in extra-time.
After Argentina gained the World Cup, Louis van Gaal, who was the supervisor of Netherlands in the course of the event, had claimed that Messi’s staff’s win was “premeditated”.
In the sem-finals, Argentina defeated Croatia 3-Zero to take revenge of their actual defeat to the Balkans in the course of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
In the ultimate, Argentina denied France from retaining their crown.
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