Lionel Messi led Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in Qatar over a year ago. Despite a brilliant effort by France, Lionel Messi’s team overcame 4-2 on penalties to win the title for the first time in 36 years. During the competition, Argentina’s great endured a rollercoaster of emotions. His acts and responses, notably towards Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal, had been a topic for heated debate for quite some time now.
The game versus the Netherlands was especially tight. Van Gaal has criticised Messi’s style of play and contributions off the ball before to the encounter. This appeared to boost Messi’s performance, as he assisted on a goal and scored a penalty. He rejoiced by covering his ears with his hands, something he subsequently regretted.
“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. ” said Lionel Messi speaking to Star+ Argentina.
Argentina’s World Cup campaign began with an unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia. It shook both fans’ and players’ confidence. Messi, on the other hand, spearheaded the push in their comeback. Despite missing a penalty, he scored against Mexico and later helped to Poland’s triumph.
As soon as I did it I thought: ‘What an idiot. They can still tie or win it.’ These things usually happen,” Messi added.
Players from both teams clashed in a nasty argument, and the referee issued 14 yellow cards. Denzel Dumfries, the Netherlands’ right back, was sent off late in extra time. After Argentina won the World Cup, Louis van Gaal, the Dutch manager at the time, stated that Messi’s team’s victory was “premeditated.”
Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals to wreak revenge on the Balkans during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Argentina prevented France from retaining their title in the final. r. France’s Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the final, but Lionel Messi’s team won 4-2 on penalties against the two-time winners.
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