Messi’s ‘Bodyguard’ De Paul Aims Swipe at Van Gaal After World Cup ‘Rigging’ Claims

• Netherlands head coach, Louis van Gaal is causing a stir after he claimed the World Cup was 'rigged' for Argentina
• Some of his players have dissociated themselves from their manager's comments
• Argentina midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul has hit back at the Dutch boss

There is a stir in the air after Netherlands manager, Louis van Gaal claimed that Argentina's World Cup win had some premeditated influence. He is now under fire from different football personalities.

Lionel Messi won the only missing piece of his illustrious career in Qatar, overcoming an initial setback of losing the opening game 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.

Messi scored seven goals, including two in the final against France, to guide his country to their first Mundial triumph since the Diego Maradona-led victory at the 1986 World Cup.

As noted by Goal, Argentina and the Netherlands clashed in one of the tournament's best games in the quarter-final. The game had a lot of bad blood before and after, and it seems the head coach is still affected by the outcome.

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De Paul hits back at Van Gaal

Dutch stars Virgil van Dijk and Mark Flakken have dissociated themselves from their manager's comments, branding it as his opinion, which they do not agree with.

La Albiceleste midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul has fired back at the former Manchester United boss with an Instagram post after resuming training ahead of the World Cup qualifying games against Ecuador and Bolivia.

“No one can take away everything what we have achieved…. but a new cycle begins, a new path for the next World Cup. Here we go!” he wrote.

Messi is confirmed to start the game against Ecuador but is a doubt for the game against Bolivia. TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul reported that the Inter Miami star would not ask to be excused but could be permitted by Lionel Scaloni.

Messi receives 'bodyguard' in Miami

Sports Brief reported that Messi received Rodrigo De Paul in Miami as the Argentina midfielder visited his national teammate as well as Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham, at his new club.

The Atletico Madrid star was nicknamed Messi's 'bodyguard' due to their closeness on and off the pitch and for the way he speaks about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner with so much respect.