2022 World Cup ‘rigged’ to help Messi, Argentina win, says Van Gaal
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Final – Argentina v France – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – December 18, 2022 Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate winning the World Cup REUTERS/Carl Recine
Former Dutch national team coach Louis Van Gaal has stated that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was 'premeditated' in order to help Lionel Messi and Argentina win the tournament.
Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties in the World Cup quarterfinals, with Van Gaal in charge for the third time.
Speaking at the Eredivisie awards on Tuesday night, the 72-year-old told Dutch outlet NOS that the tournament was made for the Argentine team.
'I'm not going to talk much about it. When you consider how Argentina scored and how we scored, as well as how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not penalised, I believe it was a prepared game.
"Everything I say is true. That Messi should win the World Cup? "I believe so," Van Gaal stated.
Argentina overcame France 4-2 in penalties thanks to Messi's brace.
