Messi vs Van Gaal: Fans Blast Argentina Talisman for Rude Behaviour

• Lionel Messi expressed his frustration at the Dutch bench in Argentina's fiery quarterfinal tie on Friday
• Despite the entertaining nature of the encounter, it was marred by heated exchanges between the two sides
• Messi's Argentina had the last laugh as Argentina progressed to the semifinals at the expense of Holland

Football fans have been left scandalized by Lionel Messi's uncharacteristic behaviour during Argentina's enthralling game against the Netherlands.

In the nerve-shredding quarterfinal tie marred by heated confrontations, Messi was involved in a row with Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal.

Ahead of the game, the 71-year-old tactician revealed Messi was a tactical weakness to Argentina and would exploit his flaw but was left red-faced after La Albiceleste progressed to the semifinals.

Messi clapped back at Van Gaal after he scored the first penalty by celebrating in front of the Dutch technical bench, Mirror noted.

The Karim Benzema story: From being banned from the France national team to winning the Ballon d'Or

Football

The 35-year-old's uncharacteristic behaviour has drawn criticism from online commentators who did not agree with Messi's disrespect.

Below are some of the comments from social media users:

@Bekham7_ argued:

"Messi went too far that day. That is not what a captain does."

@Iuuk96 believes Messi's attitude was below belt:

"Making fun of someone with cancer…new low even for someone as pathetic as Messi."

Another user, @manlikekiz07 insinuated:

"If it was CR7 it would be a blockbuster headline just saying."

@MadridPreeti added:

"Can't even imagine the caption from you guys if it was Cristiano Ronaldo confronting a 71-year-old man with cancer."

@THFC_Cotton sarcastically claimed:

"He can be proud of bullying a 71-year-old man with cancer! Good Job Messi!"

Messi slams Van Gaal

Lionel Messi was incensed with Netherlands Head Coach Louis Van Gaal after a highly-tempered World Cup quarterfinal match.

Denmark's World Cup squad: Which players will be booting up for the Danish Dynamites in Qatar?

Football

Argentina beat the Netherlands on post-match penalties to set up a semifinal date with Croatia but the game was marred by ugly confrontations.

Nahuel Molina and Messi had put Argentina on their way with a goal in each half only for Wout Weghorst to score a late brace to restore parity. Argentina's goalkeeper Emi Martinez saved two spot-kicks to help his side go through.

Messi lashes out at referee

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Lionel Messi said referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz should not have officiated Argentina's tempestuous shootout victory over the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-finals at Lusail Stadium.

Argentina won on penalties early on Saturday after a dramatic 2-2 draw in which Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst scored twice late on, including a last-gasp equaliser from a short free-kick awarded when German Pezzella shoved over Weghorst.

Mateu Lahoz showed 16 yellow cards in total, with Netherlands wing-back Denzel Dumfries sent off after the penalty shootout for a second booking.