Magical Messi led Argentina to victory in what looks to be his last ever World Cup finals. A goal and an assist for the icon alongside a Julian Alvarez double secured the 3-0 win for Argentina.
The opening 30 minutes was a cagey affair. Both sides struggled to create any meaningful chances. Until the Manchester City forward, Julian Alvarez, was played through one on one with Dominik Livakovic.
The Croatian goal keeper appeared to have fouled Alvarez as the ball was played beyond him. Referee Daniele Orsato awarded a penalty which wasn’t overturned by the VAR. This decision has caused a spark as many experts and fans believe it shouldn’t have been awarded.
Argentine star man Lionel Messi had the duty on of taking the spot kick. Livakovic had been Croatia's penalty shootout hero but Messi dispatched a beautiful penalty into the top right corner. That was Messi’s fifth goal of the tournament and third penalty scored. He’s now level with Kylian Mbappe in the golden boot race.
Five minutes later, Julian Alvarez picked up the ball near the half-way line and managed carry the ball to the edge of the Croatian box. After a few failed clearances and ricochets, the Manchester City forward was able to fire home from 6 yards in clinical fashion.
Argentina were 2-0 up at half-time and Croatia had a mountain to climb in the second half.
Despite having more of the ball, Croatia struggled to make any real chances so changed the system at half time and subbed on Mislav Orsic and Nikola Vlasic in hopes to create more attacking threat.
Argentina defended well and in the 69th minute Lionel Messi picks up the ball around the half way line and right up against the side-line. He had the task of going one on one with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol who has been superb this tournament. But when you face Lionel Messi there’s not much you can do. The Argentina captain made him look amateur, the ball stuck perfectly to Messi who dribbled the ball into the box before completing a lovely turn and cutting the ball back for Julian Alvarez who slotted home his second of the match.
A deflated Croatia couldn’t find themselves back into the game with only two attempts on target all game. Argentina manged the final 20 minutes well, seeing them complete a 3-0 win and book a spot in the World Cup final.
A lot of the talk before the game was this being Messi’s final World Cup. However, this match saw the end of Luka Modric in the World Cup. A former finalist and one of the best midfielders of all time. He left the pitch to a standing ovation in an emotional moment for the Croatian star man.
Argentina will now face the winner of France vs Morocco in the World Cup in what promises to be an exceptional final no matter the opponent.
By Josiah Cooper
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