Argentina's team captain, Lionel Messi, criticized Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal following his comments after the match between the two teams in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Argentina succeeded in defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout (4-3) during the match held on Friday evening in the quarter-finals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Messi stated in a televised interview after the match: "Van Gaal says they play enjoyable football while all they do is play long balls." There was a confrontation at the end of the match between Lionel Messi and Van Gaal along with his assistants. Argentina will face Croatia next Tuesday at Lusail Stadium in the semi-finals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.