Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has sparked excitement among football fans by admitting it would be “fantastic” to face Argentina once more on the international stage.
In a recent interview, the Dutch playmaker reflected on the memorable 2022 World Cup quarter-final clash against Lionel Messi’s Argentina — a dramatic encounter that ended in a penalty shootout heartbreak for the Netherlands.
“It would be fantastic if we could face Argentina again,” de Jong said. “The last game was very special. But I am not going to say too much about it… I don’t want to motivate them.”
His cautious yet enthusiastic words show the respect (and perhaps a touch of rivalry) that still lingers from that epic 2022 battle in Qatar, often remembered as one of the most intense matches of the tournament.
A Rivalry That Captivated the World
The 2022 quarter-final, dubbed the “Battle of Lusail,” was packed with drama, late equalizers, heated moments, and high-quality football. Argentina eventually progressed to lift the World Cup trophy with Messi at the helm, while the Netherlands showed their fighting spirit under Louis van Gaal.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now on the horizon (co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada), fans are already dreaming of another Netherlands vs Argentina showdown. Both nations have qualified, and de Jong remains a key figure in Ronald Koeman’s Oranje midfield.
De Jong, who has been in strong form for FC Barcelona in the 2025/26 season, knows exactly how special these big-stage meetings can be. His comments come as the Netherlands continue their preparations, with the midfield maestro eager to write a new chapter against one of world football’s most formidable sides.