- Louis Van Gaal has sparked a social media row with his comments on the 2022 World Cup
- Van Gaal, who was the Dutch coach at the tournament, claims the games were premeditated
- Lionel Messi won his first World Cup, as Argentina beat France on post-match penalties in the final
Former Netherlands Head Coach Louis Van Gaal has made some damaging allegations about the 2022 FIFA World Cup that was staged in Qatar….CONTINUE READING
Lionel Messi led Argentina to their first-ever World Cup since 1986, beating the defending champions France in an energy-sapping final at the Lusail Stadium on December 18.
Source: Getty Images
It was a sweet turnaround for Messi, who managed to go all the way despite watching his side go 2-1 down to minnows Saudi Arabia in their first group game. They then beat Mexico and Poland to make it through to the knockout stages.
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Van Gaal’s comments on Messi’s World Cup win
The Albiceleste saw off Australia in the round of 16, beat Van Gaal’s Netherlands in the quarterfinals and thrashed 2018 finalists Croatia in the last four.
Van Gaal has, however, now claimed that the games were premeditated and lined up for Messi to complete a fairy football football.
“I don’t really want to say much about it. When you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals and how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not punished, then I think it was all a premeditated game,” said Van Gaal, as quoted by Dutch publication NOS.
Argentina vs Netherlands World Cup quarterfinal
Save for the final, the Argentina vs. Netherlands game was one of the games of the tournament. Lionel Scaloni’s side had raced to a 2-0 lead before Wout Weghorst came off the bench to score a quickfire brace and force the game to extra time and penalties.
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The game is also remembered for Messi’s uncharacteristic outburst that saw him confront Van Gaal and Weghorst, as reported by talkSPORT. The 72-year-old believes everything was arranged for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I mean everything I say. That Messi should become the world champion? I think so, yes.”
The comments have provoked reactions from fans, with support and criticism coming in equal measure.
Fans reactions
@SaraFCBI said:
“Argentina had 2 goals disallowed against Saudi Arabia, had 11 minutes added against the Netherlands where the Dutch equalised, conceded 2 penalties in the final… but according to Louis Van Gaal, it’s APPARENTLY RIGGED FOR ARGENTINA.”
@JudeRMS said:
“Louis Van Gaal is an experienced coach with knowledge of every single aspect of modern football… Said that the World Cup was rigged for Messi to win. Only Messi fanboys will keep denying this”
The former Manchester United manager stepped down from his role after Qatar, with Ronald Koeman replacing him.
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EA Sports introduces Messi’s celebration
Sports Brief had earlier reported that EA Sports has introduced Lionel Messi’s infamous celebration against Louis Van Gaal in its latest video game edition.
The 2023/2024 game will be the first that will be released after they ended their licensing agreement with FIFA and it will be known as FC24.
There has been a raft of additions, with fans now being able to use or spot Messi’s celebrations that he used after Argentina beat the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup.
“He’s Just Bitter”: Fans Blast Van Gaal for Alleging World Cup Was Rigged for Lionel Messi
- Lionel Messi led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
- But Louis Van Gaal has alleged the games were orchestrated for Messi
- Social media users have hit out at Van Gaal over his comments
Louis van Gaal has sparked controversy and outrage among fans on social media by claiming that the 2022 World Cup was rigged to favour Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.
Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi inspired the Albiceleste to global glory in Qatar, defeating the reigning champions France in a nail-biting final match at the Lusail Stadium on December 18.
Source: Twitter
The 36-year-old scored seven goals and provided three assists, contributing significantly to his nation’s capture of the prestigious trophy.
Van Gaal on Messi’s World Cup win
Following a defeat to Saudi Arabia in their first match at the Mundial, Messi led Argentina through a remarkable turnaround, securing victories against Poland and Mexico to earn a spot in the knockout stage.
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The South American powerhouse then triumphed over the resilient Australian team in the round of 16 before defeating the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
And Van Gaal, who coached the Oranje in Qatar, has alleged that the matches were prearranged and orchestrated to allow Messi to complete a fairy tale in football.
“I don’t really want to say much about it,” Van Gaal told NOS Sport.
“If you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals and how some of Argentina’s players crossed the line and weren’t punished, then I think it’s all preconceived game.
He added: “I mean everything I say by that. That Messi had to become world champion? I think so, yes.”
Social media reactions
Van Gaal’s remarks immediately ignited a social media firestorm, with fans expressing their displeasure at the allegation.
@iamyourspec said:
“He’s just bitter.”
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@kene_cx added
“Van gaal can keep crying , he will never win a relevant trophy.”
@esshman posted:
“Messi could have lost the game if your players score their PKs.”
@CFCdxn_ said:
“He’s still making excuses to save his reputation.”
@tobiola006 posted:
“You can keep crying, doesn’t change the fact that Messi remains the world champion till 2026.”
EA Sports introduces Messi’s celebration
Sports Brief had earlier reported that EA Sports has introduced Lionel Messi’s infamous celebration against Louis Van Gaal in its latest video game edition.
The 2023/2024 game will be the first that will be released after they ended their licensing agreement with FIFA and it will be known as FC24….CONTINUE READING
There has been a raft of additions, with fans now being able to use or spot Messi’s celebrations that he used after Argentina beat the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup.