World Cup: Alvarez, Messi steer Argentina past Croatia into final
Argentina’s Julian Alvarez scored twice and earned a penalty converted by Lionel Messi as they swept past Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday and into the World Cup final where they will face either holders France or Morocco at the weekend.
While all eyes were on Argentina captain Messi and his fifth bid to win the one major trophy eluding him, it was Alvarez who stole the show, earning the penalty and scoring once in each half including after a scintillating 50-metre run.
Argentina were awarded a penalty after Julian Alvarez was brought down by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic at Lusail Stadium in Al Daayen.
Lionel Messi converted the penalty kick in the 34th minute. After five minutes, Argentina doubled the lead when forward Alvarez made a close-range finish.
The first half ended 2-0 in favor of the Albiceleste. In the 69th minute, Messi dribbled past the Croatian defenders and found Alvarez in the area.
Alvarez fired a right-footed shot from the penalty box to beat Livakovic, making it 3-0.
Messi beat legend Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina's all-time top goal scorer with 11 goals at the World Cup.
Argentina will face the winner of the France - Morocco match. The final will be played at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
With this result, Messi advanced to the second World Cup final in his career.
In the 2014 World Cup final, Messi's Argentina suffered a 1-0 loss against Germany.
.png "Advertisement")
