Argentina vs Croatia at the 2022 World Cup

Argentina vs. Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Semifinals Highlights: Lionel Messi is back in the World Cup final with Argentina, aiming to win the World Cup for the first time. And, at the age of 35, he couldn't be playing any better. Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday, setting up a title final against either France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi converted a penalty and assisted the other two goals scored by Julián Alvarez.

It will be Messi's second World Cup final — Argentina lost the first one to Germany in 2014 — and it is possible that it may be his last. It may be the ideal way to leave the game for a player widely recognized as one of the best, if not the best.

Argentina advanced to the World Cup final with a 3-0 semifinal victory over Croatia at Lusail Stadium, thanks to Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.

Croatia, aiming for back-to-back finals after their 2018 triumph, dominated the first half-hour, but goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic hauled down Alvarez as the Manchester City striker hoisted the ball over him.

Livakovic was his country's hero in shootout victories against Japan and Brazil, but he was left with no chance when Messi smashed his penalty into the top-right corner to join Kylian Mbappe atop the Golden Boot scoring race.

On the counter-attack, Alvarez tenaciously bundled his way through a disorganized Croatian defense to double the lead, and the two goal scorers combined delightfully in the 69th minute, with Messi tormenting Josko Gvardiol with a winding dribble before teeing up Alvarez for his fourth of the tournament.

Messi has five goals and has surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's all-time best World Cup striker. Following that, he will have one more opportunity to emulate fellow great Diego Maradona and claim the legendary gold medal.

On Tuesday, another all-time great was preparing his path to triumph on the pitch, as Luka Modric choreographed a calm beginning for Croatia, despite their lack of cutting edge when compared to Argentina's explosive front two.

Dejan Lovren carelessly passed Alvarez onside, and Livakovic hauled him down as he poked toward the goal. Penalties have never been Messi's strong suit, but he produced a precise strike to meet the situation and score his 11th World Cup goal overall.

If the first goal was the result of hours of practice at opulent training grounds, the second was conceived on the fields of Calchin, Cordoba. After Marcelo Brozovic's cross from a short corner was blocked, Alvarez took control near the halfway line. Nahuel Molina's storming surge down the outside shocked Croatia, and Alvarez fought on to finish alone, overcoming challenges from Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa.

Messi almost scored his second goal, swapping passes with Enzo Fernandez and drawing a fantastic save from Livakovic at his near post, but he had one more bit of magic to give Alvarez a far more routine second goal than his first.

Lineups:

Argentina (4-4-2, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina (26), Romero (13). 7. De Paul, 19. Otamendi, 3. Tagliafico 5. Paredes, 24. E. Fernandez Mac Allister (20th) — Alvarez (9th), Messi (10th).

Croatia's starting lineup (4-3-3): 1. Livakovic (GK) — 22. Juranovic, 6. Lovren, 20. Gvardiol, 19. Sosa — 10. Modric 11. Brozovic — 13. Pasalic — 9. Kramaric — 4. Perisic

Argentina vs. Croatia live, highlights from the 2022 World Cup

Argentina has been a shambles in World Cup knockout games throughout Messi's reign, but this is their most dominating and clinical performance — more so than anything en route to the 2014 final. At full-time, there are dramatic scenes of rejoicing. France or Morocco will be up next, returning to Lusail Stadium on Sunday for a rendezvous with destiny.

Minute 90: There will be a five-minute injury timeout. Argentina's bench is ready to celebrate.

Minute 86: Nahuel Molina and Alexis Mac Allister have been replaced by Juan Foyth and Angel Correa. It's time to get some rest before the greatest game of your lives, lads.

Minute 85: Ooh, not far from Croatia. Ivan Perisic looks around the near post for a corner. Dejan Lovren is tussling with Nicolas Otamendi, and as a result, he can't obtain the crucial touch.

Minute 83: It would have been a goal Alexis Mac Allister's hard work deserved. Messi takes a short free kick, and Paulo Dybala lofts a pass to Brighton's midfielder, who volleys wide.

Minute 81: Luka Modric is out. One of the greatest World Cup midfielders of all time and one of the best players of the twenty-first century exits the stage. Tonight, one more bit of magic was beyond him, but he was up against the finest. Lovro Majer joins the fight.

Minute 80: Luka Modric will be the loser of tonight's match between two all-time greats. He clatters a shot that Alexis Mac Allister blocks. The ricochet hits the mighty guy square in the mouth. When you're having a bad night.

Minute 73: Nicolas Otamendi has been booked for a stupid tackle, so everyone is getting their party hats on. Allow everything to hang out. Rodrigo De Paul and Julian Alvarez leave the game to relax before the final. Exequiel Palacios starts with the fully recovered Paulo Dybala. Lionel Scaloni's decision to roll out the latter at this stage appears to be a flex.

69th minute: GOAL!!!!!!! Julian Alvarez!!!!!!!!!!

Josko Gvardiol has been so impressive this World Cup that people are putting large money on his head. Messi just made him seem like a dummy with a spectacular, pirouetting move before placing the ball on the plate for Alvarez. Simply amazing. Messi and company are on their way to the final.

Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 in the first FIFA World Cup semi-final of 2022. They will face the victor of the second match, which will be played between Morocco and France.

La Albiceleste overcame the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after the game finished 2-2 after extra time. They did well to cling on after Oranje scored twice in the second half of normal time, forcing the game to be extended. They will, however, be mindful of a well-prepared opponent in Croatia.

The Vatreni, on the other hand, pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2022 FIFA World Cup by defeating Brazil on penalties 4-2. Bruno Petkovic was the game's hero, leveling the score in the 117th minute. They hoped to replicate their feat against another South American favorite.

Croatia had an excellent start to the game, dominating the midfield areas with their passing and mobility. Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric were impressive in the first half, passing the ball with authority and precision. Their domination, however, came to an end when Dominik Livakovic took Julian Alvarez down in the area and surrendered a penalty.

Argentina took the lead after 34 minutes when Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot. Croatia's problems were exacerbated only five minutes later when Alvarez cut past their defense. He got lucky twice when the ball rebounded back to him, but he kept his calm and tucked the ball into the net after 39 minutes to make it 2-0. Argentina was two goals ahead of Croatia at the half.

Croatia made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on Mislav Orsic and Nikola Vlasic in the goal of upsetting the Vatreni. Soon later, Marcelo Brozovic was pulled off with an injury, forcing them to make a third change. For a time, the game was tight, until Argentina broke free and scored their third goal.

Lionel Messi sent Josko Gvardiol into a spin before handing the ball off to Alvarez, who scored his second goal of the game. Following the goal, both sides made several substitutions, but the score stayed the same. Argentina went to the World Cup Final after defeating Croatia 3-0.

Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic (Hits)

Croatia's midfield combination was animated during their time on the field and sought to make things happen for their team. They were both adept at passing the ball and maneuvering through tight places.

Modric completed 67 passes, including two passes, one correct cross, and two accurate long balls, with an 86% accuracy percentage. He also won seven of his eight duels, clearing the ball twice and tackling twice. Kovacic made three important passes and two accurate long balls. In addition, he won nine of his fourteen duels and made three tackles.

Lionel Messi (Hits)

Messi had a classic performance, slicing up Croatia's defense with his smooth movement and astute passes. He also exorcised the demons of missed penalties by converting from the spot to put his team ahead after 34 minutes. After a wonderful weaving run into the area, Messi also supplied a great assist for Alvarez.

Messi got 63 ball touches and made two vital passes, one accurate cross, and two accurate long balls. He was victorious in six duels and finished five of his seven dribbles. He had a fantastic year with Argentina, scoring 16 goals in 2022, his highest calendar year for his country.