The recently released Netflix documentary 'Captains of the World,' dedicated to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar sheds light on Lionel Messi's famous 'can't hear you' celebration aimed at Louis Van Gaal during Argentina's quarterfinal clash with the Netherlands.
The gesture is traced back to Juan Roman Riquelme, who, during his stint at Barcelona, frequently hit the same celebration in defiance of the Dutch boss.
The Argentine did not accept playing as left winger under Van Gaal which eventually saw him kicked out of the club.
"Van Gaal nearly destroyed one of Messi’s idols career. Leo never forgot," a journalist Julien Laurens explained in the documentary.
The intense atmosphere during the game, fuelled by Van Gaal's harmful remarks before and during the match, added to the fire, prompting in Leo's emotional reaction.
Later, though, Messi expressed regret for the gesture, acknowledging that it was made in the heat of the moment.
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