Messi regrets controversy against Dutch at the World Cup

BUENOS AIRES (AP) — World Cup winner Lionel Messi says in a radio interview aired on Monday that he regrets his testy exchanges with the Netherlands coach and players during their controversial quarterfinal in Qatar. Messi gave his first interview since lifting the trophy in December to radio Urbana Play of Buenos Aires. Argentina beat the Dutch in a penalty shootout and a record 17 yellow cards were issued, including one to Messi for dissent. He gesticulated to the Dutch during and after the game and insulted Dutch striker Wout Weghorst. Messi says, “I don’t like what I did, I don’t like what happened afterward.”