Argentina cruised into the 2022 World Cup final after a convincing 3-0 win against Croatia at Lusail Stadium. The team and Lionel Messi are now on the verge of ending a 36-year wait to lift the world's most prestigious trophy. For Messi personally, this victory would serve as the definitive crowning achievement of his illustrious career. It was a nostalgic performance for fans, as Messi displayed the kind of magic that helped propel Argentina to their sixth final.
Argentina secured its spot in the 2022 World Cup final with a ruthless 3-0 win over Croatia at Lusail Stadium. Argentina and Lionel Messi are just one win away to end their long wait to win the World Cup. A win then would end Argentina’s 36-year-long wait to lift this prestigious trophy, while for Messi it would be the crowning moment of an already glittering playing career. Fans witnessed a vintage Messi who was so brilliant on the field and put on a sensational show to help his team reach the finals for the sixth time.
The Argentinian skipper capped off the match with a goal and a brilliant assist, marking his third straight Man of the Match award. He was well-supported by Julian Alvarez, who put in a clinical performance and scored twice for the squad.
Croatia, who finished second in the 2018 tournament, have a reputation for dragging major tournament knockout games into extra time. However, that trend was broken here, as Argentina seized total control of the pitch early on. Although Croatia maintained possession well, they remained scoreless and unable to penetrate the Argentinian penalty area.
Argentina got a golden opportunity when the referee penalized Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic for fouling Alvarez in the box. Messi eventually broke the stalemate in the 34th minute, marking his fifth goal of the competition. Just five minutes later, Alvarez extended the lead with an incredible individual effort; receiving a pass from Messi in his own half, he sprinted 50 meters and powered into the box to score, aided by a couple of unlucky bounces and lapses in the Croatian defense.
Dominik Livakovic, the hero of Croatia's penalty shootout win against Brazil, managed to keep the score respectable before halftime by denying an Alexis Mac Allister header. After the break, Argentina remained disciplined, preventing any hope of a Croatian comeback. The match was effectively sealed in the 69th minute when Alvarez slotted home the third goal.
The final goal was a result of Messi's sheer brilliance, as he danced past defender Gvardiol on the right wing to set up his teammate perfectly. With five goals, Messi currently tops the Golden Boot race. Argentina now prepares for the grand finale on Sunday, where they will face either Morocco or the defending champions, France.