Argentina is propelled to the World Cup finals in FIFA world cup 2022 Qatar by Lionel Messi, Panic immediately rippled throughout the soccer world, but notably among all Argentines, as Lionel Messi knelt down, grasped his left hamstring, and appeared to grimace.
Was their idol, the superstar, hurt? Was he going to have to leave the World Cup semifinal match early?
Croatia had no such luck.
Video credit: Darthlalang
Soon after, Messi led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday, setting up a matchup with either France or Morocco in the Sunday final. This performance was possibly the greatest of his record-tying 25 appearances at the World Cup.
Magnificent Argentina is propelled to the World Cup
Messi is back in the largest soccer game on a quest to capture the game’s top honour for the first time. He could hardly be playing any better at age 35.
Messi turned a stressful situation into a procession by scoring a penalty and helping Julián lvarez score the other two goals, one of which included an incredible skill display that drew roars of approbation from Argentina’s massive crowd.
Looking up at Argentina’s jubilant, scarf-waving fans, Messi stated in a post-game interview on the field, “A lot is going through my head — it’s quite emotional watching all of this.” “It was amazing to watch the fans, or “the family,” during the entire tournament. We got what we sought by making it to the final.
This could be Messi’s final participation at the World Cup, and it will be his second final (Argentina lost the first one to Germany in 2014).
The setting is set for a player who is largely regarded as one of the finest in the game, if not the best ever, to end his career on a high note.
Along the way, he is delighting his adoring following.
Josko Gvardiol, one of the best defenders at the World Cup, was left grasping at air by Messi’s pivot and driving run that set up lvarez’s third goal in the 69th minute, which embodied his confidence and swagger.
He scored goals in five of his six games in Qatar, showing that he is up for the challenge of guiding Argentina to its third World Cup victory.
In the one game in which he didn’t score, he even saw a penalty saved.
In the post-game festivities, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears and said, “I am honoured to train him and witness him play.” Every time you see him play, his teammates, supporters, and the entire world are greatly inspired.
After giving up two goals in the space of five minutes starting in the 34th minute, Croatia lost in its attempt to advance to a second consecutive World Cup final. This occurred right when the team was appearing confident at Lusail Stadium and Messi was causing concern by rubbing his hamstring.
Perhaps it was a ploy. As soon as lvarez clipped the ball past the Croatia goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic took him out, and Messi began playing with his opponents in a way that only he can. Messi then gave Argentina the lead by shooting his penalty into the top corner.
lvarez scored on his own in the 39th minute after receiving a short pass from Messi and bursting forward from midway. After Messi took Gvardiol for a ride in the right corner, Alvarez scored his second goal put the icing on the cake.
For Croatia, which had defeated Brazil and Japan on penalties in the last round, and star midfielder Luka Modric, who is 37 and possibly has played his last World Cup match, it was one game too far.
The little midfield wizard was replaced in the 81st minute with a bright red nose from when the ball smacked into his face earlier in the game, capping off a dismal outing for him.
The first goal changed the course of the game, according to Croatian coach Zlatko Dali. It’s the authentic Messi that we were all hoping to witness.
Argentina has never lost in the World Cup semifinals, and it has now advanced to the final six times.
Argentina’s sad days following its defeat to Saudi Arabia in its first group game seem like a lifetime ago now, and with Messi performing this well, it will be difficult to stop Argentina in the championship game.