Argentina advanced to its 6th World Cup final after defeating Croatia 3-0 in the semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Messi provided his one goal. He also shocking assisted while Julian Alvarez scored his two goals for his two-time champions at his stadium Lusail. (Read Also: Is this Messi’s last World cup before retirement?)
Argentina gave 2018 finalists Croatia no chance of a comeback. After he led 2–0 at halftime, Messi purposely broke the deadlock in his 34th minute, his fifth in the event.
Alvarez then doubled the lead after five minutes. That showed outstanding solo intent in the 39th minute. Croatia’s recovery was complete when Alvarez scored a 3–0 victory over Argentina in the 69th minute. Later, Messi showcased his classic self to create chances.
Argentina will face the winner of the second semi-final between France and Morocco on Thursday at Sunday’s summit.
All eyes were on Captain Messi and his fifth attempt to lift one major trophy eluded him.
Messi saved a penalty in the 34th minute after Alvarez was brought down by goalkeeper Dominik Rybaković. Dominik became his country’s all-time leading scorer in the World Cup with 11 goals after 5 minutes.
The pair shuffled perfectly in the 69th inning, and after an interesting drive from Messi to the touchline. Alvarez tapped in the second goal, confirming Argentina’s sixth World Cup final. In 2014, Argentina was a finalist and is looking to clinch their third world title after victories in 1978, 1986.
Winning the world cup title would put the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi on top of the legendary status. The same has been enjoyed by the late Diego Maradona in Argentina.
On Sunday, the two will face defending champions France or shock his package. The first Arab nation in the World Cup semi-finals to face Morocco on Wednesday.
Croatia, the 2018 runners-up, had been hoping for possession since immediately after facing Brazil in the quarter finals. Although they cycled the ball well, they struggled to find a way into the Argentine field.
Argentina has won every World Cup semi-final. They have ever played in, were delighted with the enthusiastic support of fans in the stands at the Lusail stadium. They erupted with a roar when Alvarez, who had the best chance with a low shot in the 25th minute. He was brought on the field for a penalty.
Messi graduated with Germany’s Lothar Matthäus and made several World Cup appearances in his 25th match. The former is Rybakovic after Croatia’s assistant coach Mario Mandzukic was sent off over a disagreement to provide the lead to Argentina.
But it was only the comeback that was most impressive. Álvarez, nicknamed ‘The Spider‘, picked Messi’s moves in their own half, sprinting the 50m, 2 lucky jumps, and a few more on the Croatian field. Thanks to someone who expanded the method. Sloppy defense before pocketing a second objective.
Rybakovic saved penalties against Japan, and Brazil to lead Croatia to the last four. He saved Alexis Mack Allister’s header just before half-time.
Unlike their later comeback exploits against event favorite Brazil, There was no Croatian way this time either. Argentina was not in the mood to double their advantage. They played in the last eight against the Netherlands and did not concede the house. Destroying the rest of Croatia‘s hopes in the 69th round, Alvarez cut after Messi tricked long-range defender Yosko Gvardiol to the right flank to select his teammate on the field. Afterward, Messi and the company seal the exit for the Balkans.
