Former Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has alleged that the 2022 World Cup was rigged to assist Argentina and Lionel Messi in winning the tournament, News About Nigeria gathered.
Messi’s Argentina team secured victory in the World Cup last December, defeating France 4-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout in the final.
During their World Cup journey, Argentina also triumphed over Van Gaal’s Netherlands side in another closely contested penalty shootout in the quarter-finals, which featured several heated exchanges between players and management.
However, in a recent interview at the Eredivisie Awards, Van Gaal hinted at his belief that the tournament was manipulated to favour Messi and Argentina.
He stated, “I don’t really want to say much about it… When you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals, and how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not punished, then I think it’s all a preconceived game.”
Pressed to explain his comments further, Van Gaal emphasised, “I mean everything I say. That Messi should become world champion? I think so, yes.”
Argentina’s victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals was, without doubt, a memorable match, with Nahuel Molina opening the scoring for Argentina and Messi adding a penalty goal in the 73rd minute.
Substitute Wout Weghorst’s late double for the Netherlands forced the game into extra time, but Argentina ultimately prevailed in the shootout.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup which featured 32 teams from various countries of the world, was marked by intense competition and memorable moments as well, with Messi claiming the title for the first time in his 20 years of playing professional football.
