World Cup runner-up with the Netherlands in 2010, Rafael van der Vaart claims that Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s time has passed and that he is no longer the player he once was.
This statement of Van der Vaart comes before the World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and his Netherlands.
“I played against Messi and believe me, I screamed in despair and looked for my mom. He was so strong then, no one could stop him… But today you can,” said the former Real star.
This is not the first time that the Dutchman has played down Messi’s abilities, as even a year ago he claimed that his level of play was declining.
“I see him walking on the pitch and I think: ‘Aren’t you ashamed?’. I start to get upset about that. It’s a shame, because a player like that will not be born again,” Van Der Vaart said. the time.
However, many will disagree with the famous Dutchman, with the legendary Rio Ferdinand calling Messi’s game so far the best game of any footballer in Qatar. His teammates think the same.
“When nothing is going well, Leo comes out of nowhere and does his magic,” Alexis Mac Allister said of his captain.
