Messi expressed regret for his actions during World Cup QF against Netherlands

Earlier on 10 December 2022, during the quarter-final against the Netherlands, both Messi and his teammates faced criticism for their behavior during the match, which led to a 3–2 penalty shoot-out victory for Argentina.

After scoring a penalty in the 73rd minute against the Netherlands, Messi ran in front of Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and touched his ears in celebration.

He then mentioned that the Netherlands manager had made disparaging remarks about the Argentine during the pre-match press conference.

“I knew what Van Gaal had said but it [the goal celebration] Happened in a jiffy. I didn’t like what I did, I didn’t like what happened after that. These are moments of panic and everything happens very quickly,” Messi said in an interview with Andy Kusnetzoff’s “Perros de la Calle” in Paris. espn,

Here’s a tweet where Messi put his hands to his ears in celebration:

Also, at full-time, as the match ended in a 2–2 draw, the Argentina captain was seen arguing with Van Gaal and his assistant Edgar Davids. He reportedly shouted at Netherlands goal scorer Wout Weghorst during the post-game interview.

Read also: FIFA initiates disciplinary action against Lionel Messi’s Argentina for ‘players’ misconduct’ in World Cup final against France

Meanwhile, Messi said he would not have it any other way despite the long wait to win the World Cup. In Messi’s sixth World Cup, Argentina won their first World Cup in 36 years by defeating France on penalties in Qatar.

“I think if I had to choose this moment, it would be this one. It is at the end of my career, closing a circle. I achieved everything with the national team that I always dreamed of .I achieved everything personally in my career..It was closing my career in a unique way.I never thought that all this would happen to me when I started and to reach this moment is the most It was good. I have no complaints and I can’t ask for more. We won the Copa America [2021] And the World Cup, there’s nothing left,” Messi said.

The Paris Saint-Germain player said he wanted to see Diego Maradona witness Argentina’s first World Cup win since the Napoli icon helped his country lift the trophy in 1986.

Messi’s World Cup 2010 coach Maradona passed away in December 2020.

“I would have liked if Diego Maradona had handed me [World] cup or at least to see it all. To see Argentina as world champions, given how much he wanted it and how much he loved the national team. I think he has given me strength from above, as well as many other people who love me,” Messi said.

With agency inputs.