The Ball – “Messi is very difficult to stop: he is the best of all time” (Netherlands)

Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong expressed his regret on Friday evening at the elimination of the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, after the “orange hour” defeat against Argentina, in Doha (2-2 in the ninetieth and 120′, 3-4 on penalties).

“I had a feeling this was going to be our World Cup. How did everything go, how did this match go… I was really convinced we were going to end up winning, but we weren’t meant to be,” said the Barcelona midfielder – as he was still a teammate. In Lionel Messi’s team – to reporters in the mixed area of ​​the stadium, cited by Voetbal International.

After meeting his friend and former teammate Lionel Messi, De Jong shrugged his shoulders at the talent shown again in the match, the Ballon d’Or la flea. We knew that all danger came from him, so we always tried to have someone with him. But stopping him is still very difficult, ”admitted the midfielder.

′′ We had everything under control, but Messi will always have moments like this, and that makes sense. He is the best player of all time, ”was the tribute he left to the “Bechelest” star.

As for the Dutch “Malapata” in a penalty shootout in major competitions, De Jong shook his head in dismay.

“We trained a lot [penáltis]And we also got the support of the people. I thought we wouldn’t even get to the penalties, that we’d score again in overtime, but it didn’t. I came with the conviction that I am the world champion, and to be out in the quarter-finals is really a disappointment, ”concluded the 25-year-old midfielder.