Lionel Messi provides a magnificent output to lead Argentina in 3-0 romp over Croatia and kicks his side to the World Cup finals. Follow for more soccer hero news here!
Julian Alvarez shared the show with Messi. The 22 year-old Manchester City striker registered twice in the scoresheet as he demolished Croatia on their way to the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals. Also on this night, Messi scored his 11th World Cup goal – surpassing Gabriel Batistuta in Argentina men’s football history and equalizing Lothar Matthaus. This is considered the Albiceleste best performance in the World Cup and reaching their sixth World Cup final appearance in the most passionate and dominating way. Follow for most goals in soccer stories and news here!
On the other side, Croatia is aiming for back-to-back finals after their magical run in the 2018 World Cup, however Livakovic struggled and suffered from the dominant attack of Argentina, especially from the powers of Alvarez and Messi. The Croatian side only registered a single shot on target, added to their struggle is their poor defense that led to Messi toying them. This is considered one of the most disappointing end for the team’s aging stars, most especially the captain Luka Modric, 37, who is likely to retire from international football.
Croatia became the second team to land fewer shot on target in the World Cup semi-final. The last time it happened was in 2014 when the Netherlands also suffers the same fate from the hands of Argentina.
All Eyes on Messi winning his first World Cup
After a devastating 2014 World Cup where they are just inch away from claiming the World Cup and suffering a disappointing campaign in 2018, this 2022 World Cup will be the most crucial and important campaign for Messi and Argentina — after defeating the ultimate underdog Croatia, they have now the huge chance of taking home the World Cup trophy, the third World Cup win for Argentina.
By clinching this trophy, it would also give the seven-time Ballon D’Or winner the talk of being the “Greatest Of All Time” in the World of Football. This upcoming final on Sunday could also mark his last appearance at the World Cup.
“A lot is going through my head, it’s very emotional seeing all of this,” Messi told during a post-match interview while staring at the Argentina fans and players waving the flags and chanting. “To see the fans – the family during the whole tournament was so incredible. We’re going to the final, which is what we wanted.”
The match between Morocco and France will be held tomorrow, 3 A.M (Philippine Standard Time) and the winner between the Defending Champions and the first Arab and African country in the semi-finals will face Argentina on Sunday.
Argentina are just the second country in World Cup history to win two different semi-finals matches by 3+ goal margin (Germany is first), with Argentina also winning 6-1 over USA in the 1930. This is considered one of the biggest World Cup semi-final victories in modern football history.
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