Van Gaal Z'n praise for Messi's unrivaled development

In the bustling newsroom of NRC Handelsblad, the clock struck 18:11 on a Wednesday labelled ‘Vandaag’, and Louis van Gaal sent a striking email about the only way to stop Lionel Messi: make the entire team collectively responsible for his threat.

NRC Handelsblad conducted a round‑table survey among coaches and experts to gauge opinions on the Argentine superstar. The poll sought insight into how teams could neutralise Messi’s influence.

Van Gaal, who served as head coach of the Netherlands (Oranje), met Messi on two World Cup (WK) occasions: the 2014 quarter‑final and the 2022 semi‑final. Both matches highlighted the Dutch side’s struggle against the Argentine forward.

When asked how he would brief his squad before upcoming internationals against Argentina (Argentinië), Van Gaal replied by email, “Keep the space always small for Messi and always give him covering.” He stressed that limiting Messi’s room would be essential.

He also declared that the Netherlands would be “as a whole responsible” when defending Messi’s left foot. This collective duty was meant to prevent the Argentine star from exploiting gaps.

Van Gaal admits he remains “hangs in annoyance” about Argentina, noting that Messi and his teammates “still get favoured.” Nevertheless, he praised the player, stating, “The development of Messi, even at this age, has never been seen: fantastic.”

Alfred Schreuder, who worked at FC Barcelona as Ronald Koeman’s assistant during a season with Messi, observed, “There is so much tailored to him.” He added, “Argentinian players run to him with the ball and lay it at his feet – bizarre in modern football.”

Schreuder also noted that Messi has adapted over the years, now “using his body more” in duels. He said, “He smells where opponents are, recognises danger and then blocks them.”

The reverence expressed by both former coach and former assistant underlines Messi’s unparalleled impact on the game, even as opponents continue to search for tactics to contain him. Their insights highlight the evolving defensive challenges faced by teams worldwide.