• World Cup 2022

Wout Weghorst explains World Cup confrontation with Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, Argentina
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Messi rejected the Dutchman’s request for a chat after Argentina’s win over Netherlands.

Wout Weghorst has opened up on his altercation with Lionel Messi during the World Cup quarter-finals.

Weghorst came off the bench to score two goals for Netherlands as they drew 2-2 with Argentina. However, the tournament’s eventual winners managed to edge out the Oranje in the penalties.

Before starting his post-match interview, Messi said to somebody out of camera shot: “What are you looking at, fool?”

According to widespread reports emerging after the game, Messi was addressing Weghorst, who was waiting to have a chat with him.

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The Besiktas star has explained his confrontation with Messi in a new interview.

“During a match, for me, everyone on the pitch is the same, doesn’t matter if I’m playing Messi or [Sanliurfaspor defender Abdulsamet] Burak,” Weghorst told reporters after scoring in Besiktas’ 4-2 win over Sanliurfaspor.

“I always fight with everything I have, I did that in that match as well. I had some moments with Messi. He was surprised at these moments, and he didn’t like it.

“I don’t like to speak about other people. I have a lot of respect for him. I think he’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever had in football history.

“I wanted to show this respect after the match. But he wasn’t really open to that, he was still a little bit angry with me. But I see it as a big plus that he knows my name now!”

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