“I do not actually need to say a lot about it. If you see how Argentina will get the objectives and the way we get the objectives, and the way some Argentina gamers overstepped the mark and weren’t punished, then I feel it was a premeditated sport,” Van Gaal mentioned, as quoted by Objective.
Messi cemented his place in soccer historical past after main his nation to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar 10 months in the past.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored twice within the remaining as Argentina defeated France on penalties to carry the coveted trophy.
The South Individuals rose right into a 2-0 lead within the first half, due to objectives from Messi and Angel di Maria.
Nonetheless, France got here again from behind to attract stage, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to ship the sport into additional time.
Messi once more put Argentina forward within the second half of additional time, however Mbappe responded by finishing his hat-trick as the sport ended 3-3.
Within the ensuing penalty shootout, Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni missed as Lionel Scaloni’s aspect received 4-2 on penalties to take the trophy residence.
The Argentina captain has since been heralded as the best footballer of all time after including the World Cup to his glamorous checklist of trophies.
Argentina defeated the Netherlands within the quarterfinals en path to profitable the World and Van Gaal, who was coach of the Oranje, believes the whole lot was rigged to favour Messi.
“I imply the whole lot I say. That Messi ought to develop into world champion? I feel so, sure,” the 72-year-old added.