The right-handed batter smashed 52 runs in 18 balls, helping his side to a memorable nine-wicket win over Ajman Bolts
sports1 day ago
Football star Lionel Messi fulfilled a lifelong dream of winning the World Cup when he and his beloved Argentina clinched the showpiece in Qatar last year.
But Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who doesn't particularly get along well with Messi, made a sensational claim recently saying that the World Cup was rigged for Messi and Argentina to win the World Cup.
Argentina and the Netherlands faced-off in the quarterfinal with the former going on to win the ill-tempered match 4-3 on penalties at the Lusail Stadium. The match saw frayed tempers with an astonishing 16 yellow cards being dished out by the referee and there was also a send-off.
The world also got to witness a normally quiet and peaceful Messi with the Argentine being mesmerising, snarling and taunting in equal measure.
In fact, he made a gesture with his hands, cupping his hands around his ears, in front of the Netherlands dugout after scoring a penalty on 73 minutes to put Argentina 2-0 ahead.
As the match boiled over, there were many such instances between both Argentina and the Netherlands.
And now, Van Gaal has added more fuel to the fire by saying that the World Cup was tailored for Messi and Argentina, echoing the voice raised by some fans over the six penalties Argentina were awarded during the tournament.
“I don't really want to say much about it. When you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals, and how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not punished, then I think it was a premeditated game,” van Gaal was quoted as saying.
“I mean everything I say. That Messi should become world champion? I think so, yes,” he added.
But Netherlands captain and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk disagreed with his coach.
"I heard it this morning, indeed. And that's actually it. It is of course his opinion. Everyone is allowed to have an opinion. I do not share the same opinion," Van Dijk was quoted as saying.
Messi, who now plies his trade with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, is eyeing an eighth Ballon d'Or after being nominated for the prestigious award on Wednesday.
The right-handed batter smashed 52 runs in 18 balls, helping his side to a memorable nine-wicket win over Ajman Bolts
sports1 day ago
The Dubai-born talent says he’s excited for the next rounds at Landings Golf & Athletic Club, Deer Creek, Georgia and is loving the challenge of competitive golf
sports1 day ago
A new Champion will be crowned at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club on Thursday
sports2 days ago
At the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Bertoche transformed the DP World Tour Championship's atmosphere into art
sports2 days ago
Host UAE’s Rayan Ahmed and Ahmad Skaik shine in second place as Adam Bresnusets the pace at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman
sports2 days ago
The Emirati golf icon recalls the emotional moment that brought back memories of a lifelong friendship with the Spanish great
sports2 days ago
Missed opportunities: 'The course was there for the taking If only my putting had been better,” admits the Dubai-born golfer
sports2 days ago
The top two finishers advance directly to the World Cup whereas those finishing in third and fourth in the group will go through further qualifying
sports2 days ago