Messi and Alvarez fire Argentina into World Cup Final

by Staff Writer 14-12-2022 | 4:57 AM

Colombo (News 1st) - Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez put on a dazzling display of soccer skills to take Argentina into the FIFA World Cup Final with a 3-0 victory over Croatia at Qatar's Lusail Stadium on Wednesday (14th).

Despite a nagging hamstring injury throughout the game, Messi earned himself one last chance to win the trophy that has eluded him throughout his stellar career.

Messi put Argentina ahead in the 34th minute with a perfect penalty kick following a foul on Alvarez by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Five minutes later, Messi dazzled again to set up Alvarez who beat several Croatian defenders and got past Livakovic to make it 2-0.

The third goal saw Messi weaving through the defense to set up Alvarez for the finish to put Argentina up 3-0.

Earlier, just 19 minutes into the match Messi clutched at his hamstring and fans held their breath that the Argentine star would have to leave the game. But Messi fought off the injury and kept playing, appearing to recover as it progressed.

It has been an extraordinary tournament for 2-time champions Argentina, which lost its first game 2-1 to Saudi Arabia but has since outplayed all opponents to enter the final.

Argentina plays the winner of the France-Morocco semifinal. The final is on Sunday (18). Croatia will play in the 3rd place match on Saturday (17).