Lionel Messi has criticised Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal and on-field referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz following Argentina's victory in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup on Friday.
An action-packed and fiery showdown filled with drama was on display at the Lusail Stadium, which saw Messi contribute to both of Argentina's goals in normal time before the Netherlands fought back to send the tie in extra time.
After Messi expertly teed up Nahuel Molina for Argentina's opening goal, the 35-year-old converted from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, but substitute Wout Weghorst scored a quickfire brace in the closing stage to restore parity.
Messi then scored Argentina's first of four spot kicks in the subsequent shootout and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved twice to help the two-time world champions prevail 4-3 against the Oranje.
Prior to kickoff, Van Gaal highlighted a flaw in Messi's game regarding his work rate when out of possession, and claimed he had a plan to stop the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
© Reuters
However, Messi picked up the man-of-the-match award as Argentina triumph over the Dutch, and the Paris Saint-Germain star has since criticised Van Gaal's 'long-ball' tactics.
"Van Gaal says that they play good football, but what he did was put on tall people and hit long balls," Messi told reporters after the match.
Messi was seen cupping his ears in celebration towards the Dutch bench after scoring his penalty, and he later exchanged words with Van Gaal on the touchline, where he appeared to tell the 71-year-old that he 'talks too much'.
Meanwhile, Argentina's No.10 has called for the on-field referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz to be dropped by FIFA following his performance at Lusail Stadium.
The Spanish official remarkably handed out 16 yellow cards during the chaotic quarter-final tie and one of his final actions was sending off Denzel Dumfries during a mass altercation after the shootout.
© Reuters
Argentina shot-stopper Martinez labelled Lahoz "useless" after the match, while Messi believes that the official should not continue at this year's tournament in Qatar.
"I don't want to speak about referees because after they will sanction you. But people saw what happened," Messi told reporters as quoted by the Independent.
"I think FIFA must take care of this, it cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance. The referee cannot fail to be up to the task."
Messi has been a standout performer for Argentina in Qatar, scoring four goals and registering two assists in five matches, and La Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni has labelled his captain as the 'best player of all time' following his impressive performance against the Netherlands.
Argentina now have four days to prepare for their semi-final clash against Croatia, who beat five-time world champions and tournament favourites Brazil 4-2 on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.
Oliver Thomas
Netherlands
Senegal
Ecuador
Qatar
England
USA
Iran
Wales
Argentina
Poland
Mexico
Saudi Arabia
France
Australia
Tunisia
Denmark
Japan
Spain
Germany
Costa Rica
Morocco
Croatia
Belgium
Canada
Brazil
Switzerland
Cameroon
Serbia
Portugal
South Korea
Uruguay
Ghana
