Messi's savage celebration and clash with Van Gaal stemmed from bitter Riquelme feud
Argentina's win over the Netherlands in the World Cup was one of the most bad-tempered matches in recent history with 18 bookings and plenty of scuffles on the touchline and on the pitch
Lionel Messi's celebration in front of Louis van Gaal where he cupped both of his ears was a callback to Juan Riquelme - his idol.
One flashpoint in a match full of mayhem saw the Paris Saint-Germain star run over to the Dutch bench and put both of his hands to his ears in the direction of Van Gaal after netting a penalty that put Argentina two goals up in their quarter-final against the Netherlands.
Some were confused as to why the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had such a vendetta against the legendary manager, but it appears Messi was exacting revenge on behalf of his idol Riquelme.
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The former Argentine playmaker's iconic celebration was the same as the one Messi used on Friday, while Van Gaal also has bad history with Riquelme. When the two were at Barcelona together, the Boca legend was subbed on by Van Gaal, before being hooked back off after just 30 seconds.
Riquelme only lasted one year at the Nou Camp, before a two-year loan at Villarreal that was made permanent due to his stellar performances.
Messi was also unhappy with how the Netherlands boss spoke out against Argentina in the build-up. to the clash.
He said: "I was angry about the pre-match because I think that a coach like Van Gaal, with the experience he has, with the games he has played throughout his career and that he spoke in the way he did, that he disrespected.
"I think he should not have been like that, it did not make sense."
Argentina emerged victorious over the Netherlands in their quarter-final tie in the World Cup, which went down to penalties. Nahuel Molina and Messi had put the Albiceleste two goals up, before Wout Weghorst brought it back to 2-2 with the last kick of the game, deep into stoppage time.
But the Dutch only delayed their fate with Argentina going through on penalties when Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis had their spot-kicks saved, before Lautaro Martinez scored the crucial penalty.
However, the contest was marred by a succession of fouls and bust-ups, with some real bad blood between both sides culminating in 18 cards being brandished by Antonio Mateu Lahoz, including a red card to Denzel Dumfries after the contest had finished.
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