This World Cup has thrown many curveballs at us until now but one of the pre-tournament favourites found themselves one step away from the final after getting past this tournament’s giant killers.
Argentina, led by a sensational Lionel Messi, have not always been at their best this tournament but have found a way to win game after game, mostly thanks to the magic of their talisman and captain.
In what is likely to be his last World Cup, the former Barcelona captain has been in his elements. Messi seemed to be determined to lift a trophy that has eluded him for too long now and he finally had a team around him to help him do that.
Croatia on the other hand were on a mission to show the World that their final appearance in 2018 wasn’t a fluke after all. The giant killers showed a great attitude, beating Brazil on their way here and were one step away from the second consecutive final appearance.
But it was not to be for Luka Modric & co. as Messi and Julian Alvarez combined to lead Argentina through to their sixth World Cup final.
Argentina went into the half-time break leading 2-0 thanks a penalty from Messi and a solo effort from Alvarez. The South American nation continued their good work in the second half and eventually won the game 3-0, with Messi setting up Alvarez.
We at Barca Universal take a look at how the former Barcelona captain and club legend fared in his game against Croatia.
Lionel Messi (vs Croatia):
Game after game – the entire nation rests its hopes on Lionel Messi and the PSG star does not disappoint one bit. After what was a rather sedate start to the match for the Argentinian captain, Messi slowly yet surely found his groove.
Messi and Alvarez showed signs of combining well and it was the latter who won the penalty for Argentina after getting on the end of a superb, over-the-top ball. Messi stepped up from the spot and absolutely rifled the ball home.
Messi was also instrumental in setting up Alvarez for his unbelievable solo run goal. The Man City man eventually scored one of the best goals in this tournament.
The former Barcelona No. 10 combined beautifully with Enzo Fernandez on the edge of their penalty area but could not get a proper shot-off with his attempt being saved by the Croatian keeper.
However, Messi was not done for the night. What he did to Josko Gvardiol in the second half, one of the best players in this tournament cannot be described in words. After bamboozling the Croatian defender, he set Alvarez up for his second goal and Argentina’s third of the night.
Messi is one game away from claiming the trophy he is so desperate for and we are truly blessed to be witnessing his genius on the pitch. Let’s enjoy it until it lasts.
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