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“He Can Say What He Wants” – After Former Boss Lionel Messi’s ‘Preconceived’ World Cup Win Claim, Dutch Captain Disapproves the Statement

Published 09/06/2023, 8:06 AM EDT

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Lionel Messi won the FIFA World Cup for Argentina after 36 years. The World Cup trophy was ever-so-important for the Argentine, as it was likely his last attempt at the tournament. Louis Van Gaal, former Netherlands manager, believes it was a “canon” event and that Messi’s World Cup win was rigged. Dutch captain and Liverpool defender, Virgil Van Dijk, however, has disagreed with his former manager.

Argentina v. Netherlands was filled with emotions. And sometimes, emotions sway us away a bit too far from reality. But unlike Van Gaal, the Dutch captain doesn’t hold the same remarks for the team that won the World Cup.

Everybody entitled to their own opinions after remarks about Lionel Messi

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The high-intensity match in the semi-finals kept fans on the edge of their seats. The game got increasingly heated as 90 minutes edged closer. Ultimately, Argentina won 4-3 on penalties. Louis Van Gaal though was left fuming. In his recent comments, he expressed that it felt like a ‘preconceived event’ and Lionel Messi had to win the game.

Virgil Van Dijk holds a different opinion. He believes Lionel Messi has achieved the World Cup righteously. In an interview with NOS, when asked if he agrees with Van Gaal’s comments, he says, “Van Gaal’s words about Messi? He can say what he wants, it’s his opinion, but I do not agree with him and I don’t share the same opinion.”

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When asked if he would stand by Van Gaal’s comments, he says, “No”. In the win for Argentina, Emiliano Martinez emerged as a star, saving two penalties in the shootout.

“It Had Just Happened” – Lionel Messi Divulges His Biggest Regret From FIFA World Cup Despite Winning With Argentina

Virgil Van Dijk is currently serving a three-match suspension for a red against Newcastle United. Liverpool are now in the 3rd place after four fixtures. With Van Dijk out what is happening at Liverpool?

Liverpool holds their breath as Van Dijk faces time-out

Liverpool have done well in their opening fixtures of the Premier League. The team has played one match in the absence of Virgil Van Dijk but the Reds managed to keep a clean sheet. Liverpool won against Aston Villa in a match that ended 3-0. In the next game, the Dutch player got sent off against Newcastle United as the Magpies were leading the match with one goal.

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Darwin Nunez had plans of his own. Darwin was substituted in the 77th minute of the game and caused havoc in the opponent instantly. Nunez scored in the 81st minute to equalize and then struck again to score the winning goal in the dying moments. Van Dijk’s red card was much debated as supporters believed that Joelinton should’ve also been on a red card, citing his constant fouls.

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Van Dijk has now joined The Netherlands camp for their Euro qualifiers. Ronald Koeman’s team will look to clinch the Euro Cup. The country last won the title in 1988 after which they’ve failed to win any major trophy. Netherlands will face Greece next at Philips Stadion.

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Written by:

Neil Banerjee

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One take at a time

Neil Banerjee, an adept soccer writer at EssentiallySports, embodies an unwavering passion for Chelsea Football Club, a team he has fervently supported since his childhood. With an innate ability to remain current on the latest developments in the soccer sphere, Neil possesses a distinct advantage in understanding the nuances of the sport. His profound appreciation for the tactical and analytical facets of the game underscore his belief that the true beauty of soccer lies within its intricacies of strategy.
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