Weghorst responds to ‘angry’ Messi spat after being called ‘stupid’ by the Argentina star | OneFootball

Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst is pleased that Argentina star Lionel Messi at least “knows my name now” after they got into a confrontation at the World Cup.

Tempers were high as Argentina threw away a two-goal lead against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the World Cup with the Dutch scoring an equalising goal to make it 2-2 in the 11th minute of second-half added time.

The game went to extra time and then penalties, which the Argentinians won 4-2, before eventually going on to lift the World Cup by beating France in the final.

It was Weghorst who scored both Netherlands goals to cancel out Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi in normal time and both teams clashed on the pitch and in the tunnel after a bad-tempered affair,

There were reports that Weghorst clashed with Messi and Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero but the Dutchman explained what had happened, he said: “I wanted to shake his [Messi’s] hand after the match, but he smashed my hand away and didn’t want to speak with me.”

Messi was heard exchanging words with Weghorst during a post-match interview, the Argentina legend said: “Who are you looking at, stupid? Go ahead, you stupid.”

And Weghorst was again asked about his confrontation with Messi after scoring in Besiktas’ 4-2 win against Sanliurfaspor, he replied: “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.

“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!”

On the tournament itself, Weghorst added: “The World Cup was the best three weeks of my football career.

“I am happy to have this opportunity. It was something I’d dreamed of since childhood. It was a very good experience.

“I still wonder how it would be. When I think of penalties, it will always be in my head. To be honest, I didn’t care who won the World Cup.”

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