“To Represent Argentina” – Julian Alvarez Justifies Lionel Messi Mocking Louis Van Gaal During the 2022 FIFA World Cup

The 2022 edition of the World Cup brought its fair share of memorable moments. However, Lionel Messi‘s celebration against the Netherlands might be struck by fans to this date. The quarterfinals between Argentina and Netherlands got hearted up even before players took to the field, with the Dutch head coach Louis Van Gaal taking potshots at Lionel Messi. Not to back down from the challenge, the Argentine showed his class as he bagged a stunning goal against the opposition before giving dirt sheets something to talk about!

La Pulga, following his goal, ran all the way to the Dutch dugout as he looked Van Gaal square in the eyes while cupping his ears to celebrate. The celebration has built up a cult following despite La Pulga apologizing for his actions, blaming himself for losing calm in the heat of the moment. However, when asked to name his favorite goal-scoring celebration, Argentine star Julian Alvarez did not shy away as he put Messi’s celebration on top of his list.

In an interview with Manchester City, Alvarez stated, “If I had to choose one, it would be Messi’s 2022 World Cup celebration against the Netherlands. I think he said later that he regretted doing it at that moment, but at that time and in that match, that’s how he felt to represent Argentina.”

The interview also saw the striker rate some of the celebrations from Manchester City players, which saw him surprisingly put Erling Haaland’s iconic meditation celebration at the bottom of his list! Well, at least his reasoning makes sense.

Lionel Messi’s Argentine teammate snubs Erling Haaland

Manchester City has had some iconic players play through their ranks. From the likes of Sergio Aguero to Erling Haaland, David Silva to Phil Foden, players have proved their goal-scoring prowess for the reigning champions. In an interview with the club, Manchester City star Julian Alvarez received the task of rating goal celebrations by past and present players, which saw him put Erling Haaland at the bottom of his list.

The Argentine, however, clarified he loves Erling Haaland’s celebration, just not his meditation one, considering he hasn’t seen the Norwegian meditate once since his move to the Etihad. Alvarez then paid homage to club legend Sergio Aguero, putting his celebration on top of the list while putting himself next to his predecessor. Alvarez has done a great job at Manchester City and made a name for himself despite playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland.