Argentina storm into World Cup final, spank Croatia 3-0

Lionel Messi on Tuesday led Argentina into the 2022 World Cup final, with the legend scoring the opener before his incredible run set up Julian Alvarez’s second goal.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 34th minute
Julian Alvarez doubled the advantage after an excellent run from Nahuel Molinain the 39th minute.
But it was Messi’s dazzling dribble for Alvarez’s second goal, according to Daily Mail, that drew top praise.
Argentina will now play the winner of France and Morocco in Sunday’s final.

Messi converted a penalty and had a hand in the other two goals by Julián Álvarez, leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia that set up a meeting with either France or Morocco in Sunday’s title match.

It will be Messi’s second World Cup final — Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 — in what might be his last appearance at the tournament.
It could yet be the perfect way to go out for a player widely regarded as one of the game’s best players, if not the best.
He is embracing the responsibility of leading Argentina to its third World Cup title, scoring in five of his six games in Qatar.

Croatia failed in its bid to reach a second straight World Cup final after conceding two goals within a five-minute span from the 34th, just when the team was looking comfortable at Lusail Stadium.

There was a moment midway through the first half that must have struck fear into all Argentines, when Messi appeared clutch his left hamstring and rub it.

Álvarez poked home his first goal at the end of a surging run from halfway, starting with Messi’s short pass.

He put in the third following more outrageous skill from his teammate near the right corner that left Josko Gvardiol — one of the best defenders at the World Cup — grasping at thin air.

It was one game too far for Croatia, which had beaten Japan and Brazil on penalties in the knockout stage, and star midfielder Luka Modric, who — at 37 — was likely playing his final World Cup match.