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After ‘Rigged’ World Cup Claims at Lionel Messi, Louis Van Gaal Contradicted by German Legend Oliver Kahn

Published 09/20/2023, 7:02 AM EDT

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The 2022 World Cup triumph of Lionel Messi was nothing short of extraordinary. While most consider the 36-year-old a true champion, some are still unconvinced by the win. Primarily, it has been Louis Van Gaal, who earlier claimed the World Cup was rigged. As his claims about Messi generated backlash, the former Netherlands coach was recently contradicted by German legend Oliver Kahn.

Van Gaal has frequently targeted Messi and his national teammates. In fact, both share an inflaming history with each other that was witnessed during the quarter-final match between Argentina and Netherlands in Qatar.

Oliver Kahn denies Van Gaal’s claim about Lionel Messi’s WC win

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Earlier, Van Gaal claimed that Argentina’s World Cup win was ‘preconceived’. Recently, a Saudi Arabian journalist somehow brought his words to the attention of the German legend Oliver Kahn. Interestingly, the former Bayern Munich CEO sat for a detailed interview after he traveled to Riyadh. Subsequently, he was asked about his thoughts on the former Manchester United head coach’s rigged World Cup claims.

To which Kahn replied: “I know Van Gaal and he says a lot of things sometimes, so I’m not really sure if he really said something like this. Maybe he had some problems with Messi in the past.”

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Oliver Kahn continued, “I watched the games and for me, it was amazing how the Argentinian team were fighting for one guy. They were fighting for Messi, and he can win together with the team, the World Cup.”

As per the former Bayern Munich star, the Argentine players put in a great deal of effort to help Messi secure the trophy and add it to his already impressive collection. In the end, he also added a short message for the soccer fans.

“Stay engaged and be inspired from the greatest game in the world,” he concluded.

Undoubtedly, Van Gaal won’t agree with Kahn’s opinion. Notably, this isn’t the first time he has been contradicted.

Ex-Netherlands star called ‘childish’ and ‘irrelevant’ statement

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Former Dutch footballer Wim Kieft expressed strong disapproval of Van Gaal’s remarks.

He didn’t mince his words when he criticized Van Gaal, describing his comments as ‘nonsensical’. Kieft said, “Even if they were deliberately helped to the world title. On the basis of countless examples you can tackle Van Gaal’s nonsensical suspicions. Above all, it is a particularly childish reaction.”

Kieft then went on to emphasize that Messi had responded admirably to the former Manchester United manager’s remarks. Be it from scoring a “magnificent” freekick against Ecuador or claiming that “comments from people who have never been close to winning a World Cup are irrelevant.”

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Be that as it may, it appears that Messi has his own defense team and Van Gaal’s countrymen are making the jump.

Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

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Written by:

Abhishek Mishra

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Abhishek Mishra is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. Abhishek's love for soccer began during his childhood days when he spent most of his time playing and watching the sport. His early exposure to soccer earned him many accolades at district and zonal levels, making him a true sports enthusiast.
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Edited by:

Aakash Nair