After Argentina’s triumph against the Netherlands in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday night, tunnel video appears to capture the moment Wout Weghorst enraged Lionel Messi in the post-match interview
On social media, a video showing Messi escaping the interview in the mixed zone quickly gained popularity. The normally polite Argentina captain became agitated at a Dutch camp member because he was preoccupied with an event in the tunnel.
New Tunnel Footage Shows Wout Weghorst And Lionel Messi Fight, Video Goes Viral
Messi yelled something at Weghorst.
Since then, it has come to light that Messi hurled “some unpleasant comments” at Dutch striker Weghorst, according to Marca. According to the same source, Messi allegedly yelled, “What are you staring at, stupid? Keep going that way, idot. Leave now.”
Leo Messi (to Weghorst during the post match interview): "What are you looking at, fool? Go back there, dummy. Get back there, yes."
Messi turned his inner Maradona on. 😅pic.twitter.com/jD6O2bpEgP
— ARG Soccer News ™ 🇦🇷⚽🚨 (@ARG_soccernews) December 10, 2022
With two late goals towards the end of regulation, Weghorst, a Burnley striker currently on loan at Besiktas, stunned Argentina. Argentina prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shootout to decide the quarterfinal match. In the semi-final matchup, the South Americans will now take on Croatia, who shocked Brazil on Wednesday.
New tunnel video of the Weghorst incident
Sergio Aguero, a retired striker who attended the match to support his countrymen, can be seen arguing with Weghorst in video footage taken from within the Lusail Iconic Stadium’s tunnel. Lisandro Martinez and Lautaro Martinez were also present during the incident.
In the background of the video, Messi can be seen standing where he did his post-game interview.
View the video here:
Heated moment after the game between the Weghorst and the players
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 10, 2022
Messi continues to display outstanding form.
With his fourth goal of the competition and an outstanding assist, Messi put on another electrifying World Cup display. He is now in the running for the Golden Boot and Golden Ball trophies. Individual honours won’t mean much to Messi, though, unless he wins the World Cup, the one prize that has escaped him thus far in his spectacular career.
Will Argentina and Messi win the World Cup?
Although Croatia, which advanced to the finals in 2018, won’t be taken lightly, Argentina will be the favourites going into their semi-final matchup with them. On December 18, if they advance to the final, they would play either France or Morocco.
Since being spurred to victory in Mexico in 1986 by Diego Maradona, Argentina hasn’t claimed a World Cup victory. However, given that Messi is currently at his best, there is no reason to believe that history won’t be repeated.