Atalanta and the Netherlands midfielder Marten De Roon says Leo Messi is a ‘dream who became a nightmare’ but is ‘proud’ of his compatriots despite their elimination on penalties against Argentina.
The Dutch completed a shocking comeback, scoring two goals in the final 20 minutes of their World Cup quarter-final clash against Argentina on Friday, and forcing the South Americans to earn a spot in the semis through a penalty shootout.
Atalanta midfielder De Roon, one of the four Serie A players included in the Dutch squad, reacted to his national team’s loss on social media.
“When I was a kid I heard my dad talk about the nightmare of Argentina,” he wrote on Twitter.
“The World Cup back in ‘78. In my time as a footballer, Messi was the dream of every player. Today, I played against the dream that became a nightmare. Congrats to Argentina, but I’m so damn proud of this squad.”
De Roon, 31, made five appearances at the World Cup in Qatar, starting the last three games against Qatar, USMNT and Argentina.
The Netherlands international has made 13 Serie A appearances this term, delivering one assist. His contract at the Gewiss Stadium expires in June 2024.