Messi Leads Argentina To World Cup Final In 3-0 Win Over Croatia

Messi Leads Argentina To World Cup Final In 3-0 Win Over Croatia

Lionel Messi produced a magical display to inspire Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia and fire his side into Sunday’s World Cup final.

Messi, 35, put his team 1-0 ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday after fellow forward Julian Alvarez was brought down by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

His searing strike saw him become Argentina’s all-time World Cup top scorer with 11 goals before Alvarez took matters into his own hands to add a second five minutes following a scintillating 50-metre solo run.

The pair combined again for Argentina’s third goal in the 69th minute when Messi toyed with Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol out wide before driving past him into the box and laying on a pass for Alvarez to slot home.

Croatia, for all their control of the ball, were toothless throughout and registered just a single shot on target.

Argentina will now look to land a third world crown after victories in 1978 and 1986. They last appeared in a final in 2014, when they were beaten 1-0 by Germany.

Clinching the trophy would also elevate seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi to the mythical status that the late Diego Maradona enjoys in the South American country.

Argentina will face either defending champions France or surprise package Morocco, the first Arab and African country to make it to a World Cup semifinal, on Sunday.

France and Morocco play each other on Wednesday at Al Bayt Stadium. The final will be played at the 88,000-capacity Lusail Stadium.