Lionel Messi played a pivotal role for Argentina to clinch his first-ever World Cup in 2022. La Pulga’s masterclass was effectively showcased throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, a rival goalkeeper reminisced about a heated exchange of words with Messi during one of the competitive games in the quarter-final fixtures.

Argentina emerged victorious against the Netherlands in the penalty shootout of the 2022 World Cup’s round of 16 game. The match witnessed dramatic twists for both teams that persisted until the last minute of the game. In one of the instances, a Dutch rival star revealed the unsuccessful efforts to unsettle Lionel Messi while he was about to take his penalty kick.

What happened between the Dutch goalkeeper and Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi showcased his goal-scoring prowess to strike a second goal against the Netherlands during the extra time. The match concluded 2-2 after extra time following the penalties. Messi netted a flawless goal in the initial kick of the shootout, helping Argentina to secure a 4-3 victory. Meanwhile, Andries Noppert, the Netherlands’ goalkeeper, expressed how he was lost in translation to divert the Argentine’s focus before the crucial spot-kick.

Noppert remarked in the Via De Cor podcast, “I told him something in English, he answered me something in Spanish that I didn’t understand and I decided to go back to the goal: it wasn’t going to be of any use to me.” It’s clear how Messi’s only objective was to secure a spot for Argentina in the semifinals, and not respond to the taunt in English.

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Meanwhile, the Barca legend experienced a downturn of fortunes after returning from CONMEBOL qualifiers. Messi’s injury concern creates uncertainty about his next domestic appearance for Inter Miami.

Read more: “Miami is a Sh*t Club” – Inter Miami Offering World’s Most Expensive Tickets Due to Lionel Messi’s Popularity Leaves Fans in Disgust 

When will La Pulga start for the Herons?

Lionel Messi sustained a scar muscle injury after participating in consecutive games for Argentina. Now he needs a significant period of rest before engaging in the upcoming games. The PSG icon featured only played 37 minutes against Toronto and missed three games for Inter Miami after the international break. La Pulga’s fitness is currently under evaluation by Tata Martino and the medical team before reintegrating him into the squad.

Inter Miami has the last five regular-season games in the Eastern Conference. Lionel Messi’s absence will pose a noteworthy setback for their playoff hopes in MLS. Moreover, Tata Martino is unlikely to include Messi in the lineup for the next fixtures following his injury update. Undoubtedly, David Beckham’s team will have a challenging task ahead when they go up against New York FC and Chicago Fire after their lackluster performances without La Pulga across all competitions.

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What was your reaction to the Dutch goalkeeper’s remarks on Lionel Messi? Comment below and share your thoughts.