Argentina vs Croatia Highlights: Lionel Messi scored terrific goals when it mattered the most. On Tuesday, when the world was watching the first semi-final between Argentina and Croatia, Messi was on a mission. After a lukewarm opening, the match turned in favour of Argentina after Messi marvelously converted a penalty into a splendid goal! And Messi’s mission became clear to everyone. That he will take the team to finals. Period. All the G.O.A.T debates in the world of football seemed to have settled today. For Messi is the best football player in the world, as the Croatian manager quipped. For Croatia, it’s an understandable heartbreak as the team failed to seal the finals berth for the second consecutive time. When Luka Modric walked off the pitch, it looked almost certain that it was probably the last world cup for the Croatian captain. In this Messi mania, a young gun made a mark. Julián Álvarez was perfect to the T.
As the football world prepares for Morocco vs France, here are the top moments of Argentina vs Croatia semi-final match
After terrific win, there's no stopping of the Messi mania! As Argentina seals the deal for the FIFA finals on Sunday, Crotian manager Zlatko Dalic lauds Messi saying - He is the best player in the world!
The stadium is filled with the chants of vamos and more!
With 10 minutes remaining, we can see Modric walking off the pitch! teary eyes and splendid applause for Modric.
Yeah, another update and yes, we are talking about magnificent Messi again! So far, Argentina has scored 12 goals in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Out of these, Messi has scored 5. With this, he is top contender for the Golden Boot!
Marko Livaja is on for Croatia. Well, point is, is this going to make any change in the fortune for the Croatia NOW?
In the first half, there were some murmurs about the way Messi was limping. But look at the scoreboard right now! Argentina lead 3-0 wth two crazy goals by Lionel Messi
WOAH! This is classic Messi! Absolutely splendid! Argentina solidifies the lead with this goal by Messi. It's 3-0 and road finals future looks bleak for Croatia
Livaković made sure that Argentina doesn't scores another goal as he denied Messi a chance! This keeps Croatia within the reach of equalising the Argentian lead
Stats don't lie, isn't it! Argentina had 5 shots on target as against nil by Croatia. Many feel that Argentina is going to maintain the lead and it seems the stage is set for last dance for the football legend
The second half of the FIFA World Cup semi-final has begun. Worried over the first half drubbing, Croatia has made some changes. Orsic and Vlasic on for Sosa and Pasalic.
Croatia had the ball, they clearly dominated the opening period, completely in control of the mid-field but then they faltered and faltered bad! Despite looking bit out of action with a suspicious limp, once Messi decided to get involved, everything became a history! The king of left foot wand converted the penalty into a brilliant goal. Alvarez with his breathtaking pace destroyed Croatian defence and scored the second goal.
This stunning goal by Alvarez puts Argentina totally in lead. This is the fifth time in the 2022 World Cup that Argentina has 2-0 lead against the rival team. So, where's Croatia's action plan though?
This is why there's only one Lionel Messi! This goal changes the game and now Argentina looks totally in commanding position!
This is the first big moment of the game as Livakovic commits foul!
Just a very, very cagey game here. Croatia definitely look stronger in the opening period. Can they repeat this history and make it to the finals once again?
Everyone is watching and observing. But he is in much better shape now. He was just observing everything and now it seems the moment has come for some real action!
If you are joining us just now, good news for you. No goal so far! Messi did try for a foul but nothing happened! Many say that Croatia is now sort-of controlling the game. Underdog, no thank you!
With this semi-final against Craotia, Lionel Messi has equaled German legend Lothar Matthaus' all-time World Cup appearance record. Can you guess the number? Don't fret - 25 it is!
You can almost hear every heart thumping! Super stuff by Gvardiol! Messi makes a dash! This is what dreams are made of!
Hello and welcome to the FE live blog. Messi is in the ground, and everyone has just one question in mind - Will Argentina make it to finals?