The quarterfinal clash between Argentina and the Netherlands last night was an entertaining, feisty affair that had too many dramas for one match.
A total of 17 yellow cards were shown by the referee as Argentina came out on top after winning 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
During the match, Lionel Messi, the captain of the La Albiceleste displayed what many have described a disrespectful attitude towards Louis Van Gaal, the Dutch manger.
For context, Juan Riquelme was a former Argentinean player who played and struggled under Van Gaal at Barcelona decades ago.
The Dutchman wasn’t a big admirer of Riquelme despite his unbelievable ability on the ball.
“You’re the best player when you have the ball, but when you don´t we play with one less,” he told the young Argentine upon his arrival from Boca Juniors to Barcelona decades ago.
In the pre-match to the quarterfinal yesterday, Van Gaal made similar comments about Messi.
He said, “Messi is indeed the most dangerous player who creates the most chances and also makes them himself. But on the other hand, he does not play much with the opponent when he has possession of the ball. That is also where our chances lie.”
Van Gaal likened Messi to be almost useless when he doesn’t have the ball just like he thought of Riquelme, so Messi made sure to take a swipe at him after the match.
“I was angry because a coach like Van Gaal, with the experience he has… For him to speak the way he did, to disrespect… It didn’t have to be like that, it didn’t make sense. I feel he disrespected the Argentina national team.”
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