The dream that seemed to be fading away when Saudi Arabia delivered the shock of this FIFA World Cup 2022 is not only still alive. But it is only 90 minutes away from coming true. Lionel Messi needs just one more game to bring his remarkable career to a close by winning the trophy he most desires.
- Argentina took the lead as Lionel Messi slammed home a penalty.
- After the break, Julian Alvarez scored twice to complete the rout.
- On Sunday, the South Americans will attempt to win their third World Cup 2022.
Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Goals: Argentina: Messi (34 pen), Alvarez (39, 69)
Additionally, Messi tied Kylian Mbappe for first place in the race for the Golden Boot with his goal from the penalty spot to put his team ahead of the game. The Best Player Golden Ball, please? That’s also within his grasp.
Argentina took the lead when Julian Alvarez escaped when Croatia’s Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol missed their footing after a ball over the top. The goalkeeper used unlawful tactics to stop the striker from collecting the ball. With this on the other side after Alvarez toed the ball past Livakovic.
At Lusail Stadium, Messi and Argentina both shone. After an even, tense first half, Argentina took the game by the scruff of the neck and never let go. After 25 minutes, Dominic Livakovic made an easy save from Enzo Fernandez. All Croatia could muster for their better possession share was a clever effort floated too high by Ivan Perisic following a quick counter from Luka Modric.
The skilled technicians of Croatia would only display that much. Before being suffocated by the constant speed, aggression, and control of Lionel Scaloni’s players.