Argentina captain Lionel Messi says Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal disrespected him with his pre-match comments.
The South American giants advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup after overcoming the Netherlands on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra-time.
Messi's Argentina Advance To World Cup Semi-Finals
There was some back and forth between the two camps before the encounter and Messi feels the Dutch camp spoke too much about him.
"I feel disrespected by Van Gaal after his pregame comments and some Dutch players spoke too much during the game," Messi told reporters, as per ESPN.
"Van Gaal sells that he plays good football and then he puts forwards in the box and starts throwing long balls.
"We deserved to go through and that's what happened."
Messi was also not too pleased with the referee's display on the night, but didn't want to risk getting a fine.
"I don't want to talk about the referee because you can't be honest," Messi told Argentine TV.
"If you talk they sanction you; FIFA must think about it, they can't put a referee who isn't up to the task for these instances."
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