Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to another Final at the FIFA World Cup after defeating Croatia 3-0 at the Lusail Stadium.
With the result of the 2018 group stage encounter in their minds, Argentina would have felt some satisfaction as they downed Croatia by the same score line from that encounter in Russia.
Messi was once again was the difference, and shared the spotlight with Julian Alvarez as both started in a two pronged attack.
The duo were a thorn in the flesh of the Croatian defense, but the 2018 Runners up underwhelmed on the night and on many many fronts.
In spite of their strong start, Croatia slowly petered and Argentine picked them apart, punishing in particular, their defense.
The first goal was as a result of lapse in concentration by the Croatian defense, as a long ball into the part of Alvarez was perfect enough for the Argentine to get the first touch before clattering into Dominik Livaković. It left Referee Danielle Orsato little option but to award a penalty.
Lionel Messi stepped up and emphatically converted to set the tone of things to come, and to write his name in the history books.
The goal puts him clear of Gabriel Batistuta in Argentina’s World cup scoring list, standing in a league of his own with 11 World Cup goals.
Croatia came out in search of an equaliser, but found themselves trailing by a two-goal margin as a dangerous counter attack saw Alvarez travel all the way, leaving Defenders sprawling on the turf until he was left one on one with Livaković, the Man City forward simply needed to slot him from.close range and he need no invitation.
Croatia responded well at the start of the second half, but they came up against a resolute Argentine team that had learnt a lot from the quarter-final game against the Netherlands.
Messi was in beast mode and rounded up his footballing master class on the night by taking 20 year-old Josko Gvardiol for a ride, before delivering a brilliant assist for Julian Alvarez’s second goal and Argentina’s third.
With five goals and three assists Messi has successfully taken Argentina to their second World Cup final in eight years as they await the result of the semi-final clash between France and Morocco.
