Messi vs Van Gaal: Argentina Star’s Celebration Was Barcelona Inspired

• Lionel Messi might have been plotting celebrating in front of Louis Van Gaal for a long time
• Messi and Van Gaal faced each other when Argentina played the Netherlands in the last 8
• The South Americans triumphed in a contest marred by numerous cases of hot-headedness

Much has been said about Lionel Messi's celebrations and antics during the heated World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.

Argentina had the last laugh as they progressed on post-match penalties, with Messi seen celebrating in front of the Dutch technical bench with a style made famous by Juan Román Riquelme.

Messi cupped his ears in full sight of the Dutch boss after he had scored a penalty to make it 2-0. Pundits have explained that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had been plotting for this day for over 20 years.

World Cup 2022: Watch Holland's last gasp goal which broke Argentina hearts

Football

Van Gaal and Riquelme at Barcelona

Van Gaal worked as Barcelona's head coach in two different stints. His second stint in 2003 did not go as planned, and he ended up rubbing shoulders with one of Messi's idols - Riquelme.

As Sport Bible reports, Van Gaal was not a huge fan of Riquelme and ended up frustrating the Argentine by playing him out of position, to reportedly send a message to the club's board.

Riquelme's favourite celebration was cupping his ears and Messi was sure to avenge his childhood hero when he came face to face with his tormentor. It took 20 years and to Messi, it was probably worth it.

Angry Messi slams Van Gaal

Sports Brief has also reported that Messi was incensed with Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, after a hot-tempered World Cup quarter-final match.

Qatar 2022: Lionel Messi in moving video sharing high fives with starstruck children

Football

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

After the final whistle, Messi was seen exchanging a few words with Van Gaal. Before the game, the Dutch coach had opined that he had an idea on how to stop Messi - a plan that failed to materialise - as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner pulled the strings once again.

Football fans slam Messi's actions

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

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

Ahead of the game, the 71-year-old tactician claimed Messi was a tactical weakness and his flaws would be exploited, but was instead left red-faced after La Albiceleste knocked the Oranje out.