Lionel Messi’s rarely-seen attitude was one of the many highlights of the thrilling World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands. Know about his celebration, its meaning and the viral Juan Roman Riquelme video

On Friday night at Lusail Stadium, Messi was outstanding for Argentina with one outstanding assist and a penalty kick goal.

Juan Roman Riquelme Topo Gigio Celebration Meaning Explained After Lionel Messi And Louis Van Gaal Video Goes Viral

Messi hit a Riquelme celebration after converting a penalty.

After the game, though, supporters are honouring another legend of Albaceleste. Many supporters think that Lionel Messi’s goal celebration was meant to honour his legendary former colleague Juan Román Riquelme.

Van Gaal a également toujours été connu pour avoir eu des relations conflictuelles avec les joueur sud-américains dont un en particulier qui a une valeur inestimable pour Messi 👀pic.twitter.com/BPufFXSBsp

— Masian (@MasianFcb) December 10, 2022

The story behind Messi pulling out the Riquelme celebration in front of the Netherlands manager dates back to 2002 after the Boca Juniors legend had joined the Catalan side but failed to make an impact as Van Gaal used him out of position.

Argentine fans have been unhappy with the Dutchman ever since who left Camp Nou in January 2003 with Barca at 12th in the table. Messi was a huge fan of Riquelme and saw him as an idol.

Some spectators noticed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner unusually pressing Van Gaal after converting a penalty in the 73rd minute to give his nation a 2-0 lead. Then Wout Weghorst shocked Argentina with a late double. Messi is normally one of the most gentlemanly players on the pitch when it comes to sportsmanship and football prowess. So why did he celebrate his penalty kick goal in front of Van Gaal? Let’s examine this.

What could be the reason Messi celebrating in front of Van Gaal?

A possible act of retaliation against Dutch manager Louis van Gaal, who allegedly mistreated Riquelme while serving as FC Barcelona’s head coach. The 35-year-old jogged toward the Oranje boss, cupped his ears, and stood motionless for a few seconds. The attack on Van Gaal by Riquelme in Barcelona was mimicked in this incident.

Prior to the quarterfinal, Van Gaal made a similar claim about Riquelme that Messi made little contribution to his team when they didn’t have the ball. South American players were allegedly undermined by the 71-year-old football manager while he was in charge of European clubs.

What did Messi say post match?

Messi was upset with the Dutch players and their coach even after the game. Messi argued, “Van Gaal claims they play wonderful football, but all he did was put on tall players and hit long balls. The Argentine captain told reporters, “I feel disrespected by Van Gaal after his pregame statements and several Dutch players spoke too much during the game.”

Van Gaal left his position as the Dutch team’s head coach following the loss.

PLAY: FREE ONLINE GAMES

Recommended: Sports Fan App

ncG1vNJzZmismJrBorjKrKuonJGue6S7zGihrpmeYr%2BwucCnZKuhoaqyrbnEZquoqJ9itKqzyKhknJ2cmq%2BzrdOipqdlnZqur7XNoGSesKChrqq6xJ1kmqtdobawusSlZKado6i2bq3NnWSlp6WewG7CwKdkoJmRoXq3tcOepmafn5rAbsLIq5ilZw%3D%3D