Messi has eclipsed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's all-time leading World Cup scorer with five goals
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Argentina trounced Croatia 3-0 in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Wednesday at the Lusail Stadium, courtesy to two goals from Julian Alvarez and one from Lionel Messi (IST). With this win, Lionel Messi’s squad advances to the tournament’s title game, where they will face France . Argentina has made two World Cup final appearances in the last eight years, making this their sixth overall. a subset of their competitors, and they have won.
Argentina went to the World Cup final after defeating Croatia 3-0 in the semifinals at Lusail Stadium, thanks to Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez. In a cagey first half-hour, Croatia looked to be the greater team, but Dominik Livakovic brought down Alvarez as the Manchester City striker hoisted the ball over him. Livakovic was the hero for Serbia in shootout victory over Brazil and Japan, but he had little chance when Messi smashed his penalty into the top right corner, tying him for first place in the Golden Boot competition with Kylian Mbappe. In the 69th minute, Messi tormented Josko Gvardiol with a mesmerising dribble before setting up Alvarez for his fourth goal of the tournament. On the counter-attack, Alvarez bundled his way through a disorganised Croatia defence to double the lead.
Messi has eclipsed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with five goals. He will then have one more chance to face fellow superstar Diego Maradona and lift the prestigious gold trophy. Another all-time great was plotting his path to triumph on the field on Tuesday. Croatia made a controlled start under Luka Modric, but their lack of creativity against Armenia’s dynamic front two was exposed. Dejan Lovren shoved Alvarez toward goal after he foolishly played him onside, and Livakovic yanked him out. Messi hasn’t always been good at penalties, but he found a crisp shot to fit the moment and score his 11th World Cup goal.
Messi has eclipsed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with five goals. He will then have one more chance to face fellow superstar Diego Maradona and lift the prestigious gold trophy. Another all-time great was plotting his path to triumph on the field on Tuesday. Croatia made a controlled start under Luka Modric, but their lack of creativity against Armenia’s dynamic front two was exposed. Dejan Lovren shoved Alvarez toward goal after he foolishly played him onside, and Livakovic yanked him out. Messi hasn’t always been good at penalties, but he found a crisp shot to fit the moment and score his 11th World Cup goal.
