Former Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has stirred controversy by asserting that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was manipulated to ensure Argentina and its captain, Lionel Messi, emerged victorious. Van Gaal made the explosive claim during a recent interview with Dutch outlet NOS, suggesting the tournament was structured in a way that favored Messi’s long-awaited triumph on the world stage.
Messi’s Heroics in Qatar Under Scrutiny
Lionel Messi played a pivotal role throughout the competition, capping off Argentina’s campaign by scoring twice in the final against France. The match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw before Argentina clinched the title through a 4-2 penalty shootout win at Lusail Stadium. This victory secured Messi’s first World Cup title—an achievement that had eluded him in his otherwise glittering career.
However, Van Gaal, who led the Dutch team during the tournament, cast doubt on the legitimacy of Argentina’s win, particularly pointing to their quarter-final encounter. In that match, Messi scored once during regular time and again in the shootout, helping Argentina edge the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Van Gaal: “It Was All a Premeditated Game”
Speaking candidly, Van Gaal implied that officiating decisions and the overall flow of the tournament appeared to benefit Argentina disproportionately. According to him, Argentina’s goals came under questionable circumstances, while several of their players, despite showing aggressive conduct, allegedly escaped appropriate punishment.
“When you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals, and how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not punished, then I think it was all a premeditated game,” Van Gaal told NOS.
His remarks suggest that the World Cup may have been orchestrated behind the scenes to facilitate Messi’s crowning moment—one that resonated deeply with football fans globally but now finds itself mired in post-tournament skepticism.
A Long Road to Messi’s Glory
Messi entered the Qatar World Cup with immense pressure to deliver a global title. With multiple Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League triumphs, and a Copa América to his name, the World Cup was the final piece missing from his storied career.
During the tournament, Messi was at his mesmerizing best—scoring critical goals, assisting teammates, and leading Argentina with poise and purpose. But the quarter-final against the Netherlands stood out for its chaos, with 17 yellow cards handed out and several heated exchanges between players and officials.
Despite the drama, Argentina progressed to the semi-finals and then the final, where Messi again took center stage. His brace against France and composed penalty during the shootout sealed his legacy. Yet, Van Gaal’s recent claims now threaten to cast a shadow over that triumph.
FIFA Yet to Respond as Controversy Grows
As of now, FIFA has not responded to Van Gaal’s allegations. The football governing body has maintained that all matches in the Qatar 2022 World Cup adhered to its regulations and were officiated with the support of advanced VAR technology. Still, Van Gaal’s comments have reignited debate among critics and fans alike.
The former Manchester United manager is not the first to question decisions made during Argentina’s matches, but his suggestion of a “premeditated” outcome raises the stakes, adding fuel to an already sensitive topic in international football.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
While some may dismiss Van Gaal’s remarks as frustration following a painful elimination, others see it as a call for greater transparency in global football tournaments. Debates surrounding refereeing standards, VAR use, and tournament fairness continue to dominate post-World Cup discussions, especially when global superstars are involved.
Van Gaal, known for his directness and long history of high-profile coaching roles, may have voiced what some football insiders and fans have silently wondered. But without evidence, the claims remain speculative.
Legacy of the 2022 World Cup Still in Flux
For now, Lionel Messi remains celebrated as the hero of the 2022 World Cup—an icon who completed his career’s greatest chapter. Argentina’s win was hailed by many as a fairy-tale ending to the tournament. However, with new allegations emerging almost a year later, the legacy of Qatar 2022 may continue to be re-evaluated.
As fans and officials await any potential response from FIFA, the football world remains divided—between those who view the World Cup as Messi’s deserved crowning moment and others, like Van Gaal, who question whether the playing field was truly level.
