Magical Messi leads Argentina to World Cup final

A Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina ruthlessly dismantled Croatia 3-0 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday night to storm into the final of the World Cup.

A brace from Manchester City striker wonderkid Julian Alvarez (39th minute and 69th minute) and one goal from Messi (34th minute from a penalty) and moments of absolute magic from the talismanic playmaker put the 2018 World Cup runners up to the sword.

With the comprehensive victory, Argentina have kept their hopes of ending the 36-year wait for the World Cup title alive.

They will now take on the winner of the second semifinal between defending champions France and Morocco.

After a bright start from Croatia, who were passing the ball around majestically, Argentine found their groove and the first goal came after a foul on Alvarez.

Messi found the back of the net with a composed finish, sending the vast majority of the 88,966 people at the stadium into a state of frenzy.

The second goal came five minutes later following a strong run from Alvarez from the half line.

The 22-year-old striker caused panic in the Croatian box with his skills and strength before he chipped the ball over the goalkeeper after a rebound.

With a comfortable 2-0 lead, Argentina were controlling the game as every Croatian attack opened spaces for the Argentines to attack.

It was from one of those spaces created by Croatia’s desperation that Messi found himself with the ball in the right flank.

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