'One reacts the way one reacts...' - Lionel Messi comes up with big confession on QF controversy with Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal

The legendary Argentine winger and World Champion skipper, Lionel Messi has registered his name in the golden words of history by guiding his team to the third FIFA World Cup title after a long wait of 36 years. But even after winning the 2022 edition of the prestigious football quadrennial, it left a controversial stain on Messi’s everlasting legend.

Here we’re referring to the controversial incident that happened during the quarterfinal clash between Messi’s Argentina and the Netherlands. The match ended with the scores levels before one of the major controversies in the history of the World Cup ignited between Argentine skipper Messi and Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal.

Messi’s actions during the controversy drew a lot of critical comments from the footballing fraternity including the former players, experts, and fans of the game.

But in a recent statement, Messi lived up to his stature and regretted his actions during the controversy with Van Gaal.

It is very quick and people react the way they react - Lionel Messi

“I don’t like what I did, I don’t like what happened afterward,” Messi said. These are moments of a lot of tension and a lot of nerves. It is very quick and people react the way they react. Nothing was planned, it just happened,” said Messi during an interview with radio feature Perros de la calle.

Notably, the incident also involved Wout Weghorst who was the only scorer for Holland to smash two stunning field goals in the 83^rd and 101^st minute respectively.

Later on, Messi also recalled the instance when a few of the Argentine players informed about what Van Gaal was saying from outside the field.

"I did know everything that had been said before the game, what he had said. Even some of my teammates were telling me 'Did you see what he said,' on purpose,” the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner added later.

"One reacts the way one reacts, but nothing was planned. It just happened. I don't like to leave that image, but these are things that happen,” the 35-year-old concluded.