Lionel Messi and his protegee, Julian Alvarez, combined to make a deadly partnership as they reached their World Cup final with a victory over a resilient Croatian side at Lusail Stadium in Qatar
For Lionel Messi, it looks like the last chance to win the coveted silverware that has evaded him for much of his career. However, there is still a huddle to cross against either France or Morocco on Sunday.
Messi had initially looked to be battling a hamstring injury before kickoff but was able to knock it off before opening the scoring from the penalty spot following Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic’s foul on the advancing Alvarez.
Alvarez sealed Argentina’s lead five minutes later with a solo run after a header into the box from Messi and a couple of help from Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa.
Messi was on hand to provide a brilliant assist for Alvarez this time after brilliantly eliminating Croatia’s terrific defender Josko Gvardiol out of the way to leave Alvarez to complete the task.
Argentina and Messi will now have the chance to atone for their 2014 world cup final defeat against Germany.
✍️ Gbadamosi TOHEEB
