During the 2022 World Cup, striker Lionel Messi celebrated by putting his hands close to his ears in order to target coach Louis van Gaal. The new documentary that is available on Netflix uncovers the reasoning behind this celebration.
The match between Argentina and the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup was marked by a number of questionable moves on Messi’s front. When the match took place at Lusail Stadium, the Argentine captain first provided assistance to Nahuel Molina in order to open the scoring, and then he took a penalty kick in order to double the lead. Following the accomplishment of scoring a goal, he proceeded to celebrate by bringing his hands to his ears and then moving towards the Dutch technical area. “Could you please tell me where Messi is?” Messi asked, “Where are you at this moment?”
As reported by the Argentine tabloid Ole, Messi is also using this celebration as a means of expressing his response to Van Gaal on behalf of Riquelme. Riquelme, a former Argentine midfielder, was not utilized by the Dutch strategist at Barcelona in the past. In fact, the Dutch strategist even referred to Riquelme as “a redundant person at Camp Nou.”
The image of Lionel Messi celebrating a goal in a manner that was disrespectful to Van Gaal during the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands at Lusai Stadium in Qatar on December 9, 2022 is one of the most memorable images from the 2022 World Cup. Photo: Sportskeeda
During the premiere of the film “Captains of the World” on Netflix, journalist Julien Laurens made the following statement: “Van Gaal almost ruined the career of Riquelme, the person Messi considers to be his idol.” This information was confirmed. At Barcelona, the Dutch coach did not allow Riquelme to play a significant role. During that time period, Riquelme would conduct his distinctive celebration each time he scored for Barcelona, and Van Gaal would accompany him. This is something that Messi will never forget.
A further revelation made by Messi in the film “Captains of the World” was that he maintained consistent communication with Riquelme even when the tournament was taking place in Qatar. I had conversations with him for a considerable amount of time. In addition, the striker, who is 36 years old, disclosed that they will discuss the World Cup in 2022 after each match.
In addition, Messi went to the technical area of the Netherlands after the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup. He pointed his finger and told Van Gaal and assistant Edgar Davids that they had said too many negative things about him and Argentina in the media before the match. The striker, who is 36 years old, added that he was upset with them.
There was a match between Argentina and the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup, which took place at Lusai Stadium in Qatar on December 9, 2022. Messi waved his finger at coach Van Gaal after the match completed. The AFP photo
When Messi caught a glimpse of Weghorst, the striker, during the post-match interview with TyC Sports, he asked, “What are you looking at, idiot?” with a questioning tone. After instantly interrupting the superstar, who was 35 years old at the time, this radio reporter pulled him back to the interview promptly. Despite this, Messi continued to make an attempt to tell Weghorst, “Give up quickly.”
Messi acknowledged that he has some regrets regarding this behavior one month after the tournament that took place in Qatar. “Those were extremely tense and nervous moments, everything happened very quickly, and you didn’t have time to think about anything,” he said for the Argentine journalist Andy Kuznetsoff. “You didn’t have time to think about anything.” “Actually nothing was planned, everything happened like that and I don’t want to leave an image like that” .
In the year 2000, when Messi was only 13 years old, he became a member of the La Masia training facility at Barcelona. He made his debut for Barcelona’s first team in La Liga on October 16, 2004, when he came on as a substitute for Deco in the 82nd minute of the team’s 1-0 victory over Espanyol. Riquelme arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2002, but he was unable to enjoy the opportunity to observe Messi’s development throughout his time there. Prior to being loaned to Villarreal, he was only utilized by Barcelona during his debut season with the club.
At the level of the national team, Riquelme was seen as the most deserving individual to succeed Maradona before to the appearance of Messi. However, he was unable to make a significant contribution to the country due to the numerous injuries he sustained on a regular basis, and he did not win any big trophies in Argentina. Throughout his career, Riquelme only participated in three major tournaments: the World Cup in 2006, the Copa America in 1999, and the World Cup in 2007.
Regarding his friendship with Messi, Riquelme continued by saying, “Messi is aware of the fact that I love him a great deal; we communicate frequently and have a very healthy relationship.” Messi received a text message from me after Argentina’s victory over France in the championship match and after the team’s loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening match. I constantly repeat that Argentina will always be appreciated as long as Messi is playing, and I will continue to say this. Observing Messi in action is unforgettable.