Lionel Messi has explained why he immediately regretted his controversial goal celebration aimed at Louis van Gaal during Argentina's famous 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against the Netherlands.
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Tempers flared during the last eight encounter in Qatar last year as Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz dished out 18 yellow cards and one red card in a game that was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout.
Messi was at the centre of the controversy after he celebrated by cupping his hands to his ears while staring in Van Gaal's direction, whom the Argentine believed was disrespectful with some of his pre-match comments.
The 36-year-old put the eventual champions 2-0 up from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute and was pointed as he basked in the then-Dutch manager's misery, but has since admitted to feeling like he went a step too far.
"I came up with the 'Topo Gigio' [named in honour of a cartoon character, a goal celebration in which a player puts his hands to his ears as a sign of defying someone] right there and I automatically regretted it," the 36-year-old told ESPN.
"As soon as I did it, I thought: 'What an idiot. They can still tie it.' These things usually happen."
Ons Oranje did exactly that through substitute Wout Weghorst, who scored twice to send the game into extra-time at the Lusail Stadium.
Argentina hung on as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez heroically made significant saves in the shootout to secure his nation a place in the semi-final stage.
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The South Americans then advanced past Croatia following a convincing 3-0 victory, before beating France via penalties in the final on 18 December.
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