Argentina in WC 2022 Finals: Argentina sealed their place in the WC 2022 finals after Messi delivered a masterclass in the 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday.
The Argentine captain scored the opener before setting up the final goal of the game to set up a potential Argentina-Morocco/France final on Sunday.
FIRST HALF
The South American side did not start the game well and were second best as Croatia had the early momentum with some quality passing and keeping the Argentina side restricted in their half.
It required a touch of patience for the opening in the 32nd minute when Alvarez was fouled by Livakovic in the box as Argentina won a penalty.
The call was a debatable one as the Man City striker clattered into the Croatian keeper when he strode onto a through ball.
Also read: World Cup 2022: Top 5 players to watch out for in ARG vs CRO Semi-Final Clash; check this one
Messi emphatically stepped up and delivered with a thumping strike to give his side the lead and become the nation’s top scorer in WC Finals (11).
Also read: Messi vs Modric: The tale of the 2 generational captains in World Cup 2022
Julian Alvarez had his moment in the 39th minute when he doubled the lead with a brilliant run from mid-field.
The striker was released by Messi as he drove through the Croatian defence, leaving a trail of them behind. He benefitted from a couple of fortunate deflections before poking home.
That goal put some daylight between the two sides as we reached half time.
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi has scored or assisted 8 out of Argentina’s 12 goals at the #FIFAWorldCup which is an astonishing 66.7% pic.twitter.com/kPSgkdi4sy
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) December 13, 2022
SECOND HALF
Croatia needed a massive turnaround if they were to get back in the contest and began the 2nd half with more vigor.
They had their moments on goal but rarely threatened Martinez, who had a rather comfortable night.
Messi once again had a chance to double his lead when he played a quick one-two with Alvarez, but his effort was saved by Livakovic.
But the Messiah had the final say when he set up Alvarez for 3-0 in the 69th minute. The PSG player dazzled Gvardiol on the right before weaving his way to the byline.
Messi beat the young player for good measure before passing to Alvarez, where the striker merely slotted home for his second of the night.
This was the final dagger in the hearts of Croatia as Messi delivered yet another masterclass to complete his side’s safe passage to the WC 2022 finals.
Most goals + assists at the World Cup since 1966:
🇩🇪 19 – Miroslav Klose
🇧🇷 19 – Ronaldo
🇦🇷 19 – Lionel Messi 🆕One more for the record. 👀 pic.twitter.com/KnGl0sMWhR
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 13, 2022
Lionel Messi created another record by scoring in all knockout matches of the 2022 tournament.
However, it was the end of the road for Modric, as he walked off a dejected but proud captain.
