World Cup 2022: Angry Messi Makes Argentines Happy as Superstar Chases World Cup Glory

• Pablo Zabaleta says Argentines are happy seeing their talisman Lionel Messi getting angry
• The 35-year-old's outburst against the Netherlands has been compared to Diego Maradona
• Argentina will be back in action on December 13 in a World Cup semi-final against Croatia

Lionel Messi’s outburst against the Netherlands in Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final victory is being celebrated by most Argentines, according to former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta.

Messi was so infuriated with Dutch manager, Louis Van Gaal in the aftermath of the South Americans' victory, that he confronted the former Manchester United manager.

According to Goal, Zabaleta has now likened the 35-year-old’s actions to that of Argentine legend Diego Maradona, saying it shows Messi’s desire to do anything to win.

“I liked Messi's reaction at the end, with his celebrations and whatever he said to [Louis] van Gaal when he approached him afterward."

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Zabaleta said an angry Messi was something people loved to see.

“It reminded me a little of Diego Maradona - that kind of character - and that is not a bad thing when you are trying to win a World Cup.”

Messi will file to the pitch once more with La Albiceleste as they tackle Croatia in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, December 13, as they bid to win the FIFA World Cup for the third time.

Lionel Messi v Luka Modric

Meanwhile, Messi and Luka Modric will return to the spotlight in an effort to win the lone trophy still missing from their illustrious careers, FIFA reports.

Both Messi and Modric will captain their respective national teams, as Argentina takes on Croatia in the first semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the Lusail Stadium.

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The two footballing greats face off for one last attempt at Mundial glory, in what could well be their last outings for their respective nations.

Messi’s celebration was Barcelona inspired

Earlier, Sports Brief reported much has been said about Messi's celebrations and antics, during the heated World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.

The South Americans 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 after he had scored a penalty to make it 2-0, in full sight of opposition coach Van Gaal.