“I can show you the videos” - Louis van Gaal continues to accuse referee of robbing Netherlands in 2022 World Cup defeat to Lionel Messi and Argentina

Former Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal once again claimed that the Dutch side were at the receiving end of dodgy decisions by the referee during their 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The South American side had won the game in penalty shootouts en route to the title.

Van Gaal said that Argentina should have had a player sent off for kicking the ball towards their bench. He said on Dutch TV (via Essentially Sports):

"We were robbed by the referee vs Argentina. The facts are there. I can show you the videos. You think it's normal a player of Argentina can hit the ball against our bench without getting a red? And then there was the penalty we conceded."

Argentina were comfortably winning 2-0 before the Netherlands pulled level late in the game to force extra time. The match went to penalty shootout, and Messi's side won to make it to the semifinals.

Lionel Messi hit out at Louis van Gaal after FIFA World Cup clash

Lionel Messi had questioned Louis van Gaal's pre-game comments after Argentina defeated the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final. He highlighted how Van Gaal was advocating a progressive style of play before the match but his side were not all that open in attack.

He said in his post-match interview (via ESPN):

"I feel disrespected by Van Gaal after his pregame comments and some Dutch players spoke too much during the game. Van Gaal tells 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."

When quizzed about the referee, Messi added:

"I don't want to talk about the referee because you can't be honest. 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."

He continued about the game and said:

"We didn't expect to go to extra time, let alone to penalties. We suffered, but we are playing a World Cup quarterfinal. Argentina shows game by game that we know how to play. We came out with intensity and desire and we understood the moments of the game. We needed this and we are happy the whole country is celebrating now. [Martinez] once again showed that he's the best saving penalties."

Lionel Messi played a key role as Argentina went on to win the FIFA World Cup in 2022. They defeated France in the penalty shootout in the final after the game ended 3-3 after extra time.