Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina too strong for Croatia in World Cup semi-final
- Scott Allen
- 13 December 2022
A Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina booked their place in the final of the 2022 World Cup after a 3-0 win over Croatia at the Lusail Stadium.
Messi netted from the spot to claim his 11th World Cup goal and overtake Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina's leading World Cup goalscorer.
Alvarez doubled the lead minutes later after running the from his own half through a weak Croatian defence to slot home.
Messi then equalled Diego Maradona as Argentina's all-time World Cup assister with eight when setting up Alvarez for his second, after totally bamboozling Josip Gvardiol, who has been one of the World Cup's best defenders.
The Paris St Germain star finished as World Cup runner-up in 2014 and his determination to finally get his hands on the trophy has been clear in Qatar, where thousands have flocked to cheer him in that quest.
The 35-year-old will now get his second shot at glory against France or Morocco back at Lusail Stadium on Sunday in what looks set to be his last appearance on the world stage.
Croatia named the same side that started that game, while Argentina made two changes with Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez replaced by Leandro Paredes as Lionel Scaloni reverted to a back four.
Nicolas Tagliafico also came into the starting XI to replace Marcos Acuna, who was suspended.
After a very cagey handful of opening exchanges, Argentina were awarded a penalty in the 34th minute after the simplest of balls over the top of their defence picked out Julian Alvarez.
The Manchester City forward burst into the box and was clattered by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic after getting his shot away.
Referee Daniele Orsato pointed to the spot, booking Livakovic for the challenge, with Messi making no mistake from the spot to put Argentina ahead.
Croatia assistant coach Mario Mandzukic was sent off for his protestations at the award of the spot-kick before things got even better for Argentina.
The lead was doubled by Alvarez in the 39th minute, who collected the ball inside his own half and charged forward, benefitting from a couple of deflections and weak defending to coolly make it 2-0.
Argentina pushed for a swift third. Penalty appeals against Gvardiol fell on deaf ears and Livakovic superbly stopped Alexis Mac Allister from the resulting corner.
Modric saw a shot blocked and Emiliano Martinez did well to prevent a Juranovic attempt creeping in just before the break.
Dalic made two changes for the second half as Croatia pushed to reduce the deficit, but their lack of a frontman continued to hamper them.
Livakovic denied Messi from an acute angle as Argentina sought to expose gaps - although their skipper can find spaces where few thought any existed.
The captain burst past Gvardiol after showing impressive close control in the 69th minute. The talented Croatia defender eventually got back, only for Messi to turn him and cut back for Alvarez to slot home.
That strike ended the contest. Ivan Perisic saw a driven free-kick saved and Modric was applauded by both sets of fans as he was withdrawn.
Mac Allister volleyed wide and substitute Lovro Majer tried his luck as the match wound down, with Argentina's bench jumping in unison with their fans' chants before the final whistle sparked wild celebrations.
