2022 World Cup was rigged for Messi to win - Louis Van Gaal

Van Gaal accuses FIFA of rigging 2022 World Cup for Messi, citing controversial incidents in Argentina-Netherlands match.

Lionel Messi exchanging words with Louis Van Gaal and the Dutch dugout in the tempestuous 2-2 draw and eventual Argentine win on penalties. (Photo credit: ESPN)

Veteran Dutch football coach Louis Van Gaal has said the 2022 FIFA World Cup was rigged for Lionel Messi to finally win.

Lionel Messi led Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986 in Qatar last year, scoring two goals in the final against France and also converting his penalty in the 4-2 triumph in Lusail, giving the former Barcelona star his coveted holy grail.

Van Gaal led the Netherlands to a quarter-final defeat against Argentina, and he subsequently resigned from his role as head coach. Van Gaal’s team lost on penalties after full-time and extra time ended 2-2.

"I do not really want to say much about it," Van Gaal told reporters. "When you see how Argentina scored their goals and how we scored our goals, and how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not punished, then I think it was all a premeditated game."

Reporters insisted on Van Gaal clarifying his statement, and he went harder, saying he was sure the World Cup was staged for Messi to win it and he would stand by the statement. While the veteran manager identifies with the greatness of Messi, he insists the Qatar World Cup was premeditated.