Lionel Messi has expressed regret over his behaviour during and after Argentina‘s quarterfinal win against the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar.
Messi and his teammates were criticised for their actions after the win on penalties following their 2-2 draw on Dec. 9.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
The Paris Saint-Germain star celebrated his 73rd minute penalty goal by running in front of Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and cupping his hands to his ears.
Messi claimed after the game that Van Gaal “disrespected” Argentina in his “pregame comments.”
“I knew what Van Gaal had said but it [goal celebration] happened on the spur of the moment,” Messi said in an interview in Paris with Andy Kusnetzoff’s “Perros de la Calle.”
“I didn’t like what I did, I didn’t like what happened after. These are moments of nervousness and everything happens very quickly.”
The Argentina captain was seen arguing with Van Gaal and his assistant, Edgar Davids, at full-time.
