Lionel Messi took advantage of an interview with an Argentine newspaper to return to the criticism suffered by the Albiceleste, targeted for his behavior during the 2022 World Cup.
Argentina’s coronation at the 2022 World Cup continues to make people talk. Albiceleste star Lionel Messi was asked about the attitude of his selection on Qatari soil, against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and after the final won on penalties against France. In an interview given to the newspaper Ole, the Paris Saint-Germain striker did not comment on the inappropriate reactions of Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez against his Parisian teammate Kylian Mbappé, during the trophy award ceremony and then during the celebration of the coronation with the supporters. On the other hand, the former Barcelonan addressed a violent tackle to the Oranje.
“They didn’t have any kind of fair play”
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner flies to the aid of Argentina and charges the partners of Memphis Depay. “It seems unfair to me that this message was installed because it is not true. Because nobody gave us anything for free and we always behaved in an exemplary way, on and off the pitch. The people (in the team) were awesome and behaved better than ever. And I think they talk because of what happened with the Netherlands, that it all starts there. But nobody says anything about what happened before the game with these statements (from the Dutch), what happened during the game and what happened in the penalty shootout as well, their Provocation. They didn’t have any kind of fair play.”
The 35-year-old drives the point home on the attitude of the selection then led by Louis van Gaal: “They are the ones who spoke and who wanted to destabilize our players when we were going to take the penalties. Everyone talks about what Argentina did after their victory but no one talks about it. Seems to me we should watch the movie carefully and see what happened and then comment and establish that we didn’t know how to win.”
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