Leonel Messi inspired Argentina to a resounding victory over Croatia in the Semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday.
Two goals by swashbuckling striker Julian Alvarez and a Lionel Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over the 2018 runners-up in the first semifinal to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday.
Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 meters, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later.
Croatia, who came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but their neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defense.
Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerizing control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory.
