Louis van Gaal, the former coach of the Netherlands national team, has made some bold claims about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
According to van Gaal, he believes that the tournament was rigged in order to give Lionel Messi and Argentina an advantage to finally lift the coveted trophy.
Messi’s outstanding performance throughout the tournament, including his crucial goals in the final against France, undoubtedly played a significant role in Argentina’s victory.
Van Gaal specifically pointed out the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, where Argentina emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. While these are serious allegations, it is important to note that they remain Van Gaal’s personal opinion.
Speaking about the World Cup, Van Gaal told Dutch outlet NOS:
“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 all premeditated game.”
After journalists probed even further, the 72-year-old said:
“I mean everything I say. That Messi should become world champion? I think so, yes.”
FIFA, the governing body of world football, has not made any official statements regarding these claims.
