Argentina upsets Croatia, books slot in World Cup final

Lionel Messi-led Argentina has routed Croatia 3-0 in the semi-final clash of the FIFA World Cup.

8 years later, Lionel Messi is again on the biggest stage in world football. ?

Will there be a fairytale ending to Argentina’s campaign? ?#Qatar2022 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/zZXuw11IJc

— Road to 2022 (@roadto2022en) December 13, 2022

Argentina scripted a historic win against the European nation to seat itself as the first finalist of the tournament.

Messi scored a penalty, becoming the highest scorer for Argentina. With five goals to his credit, he has levelled with France’s Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s Julian Alvarez struck on either side of half-time, to push his side into the final.

Magical ?#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/Wz3cocaGYH

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022

Messi has become the first Argentina player to score five goals in a FIFA World Cup since Gabriel Batistuta in 1998. He is also the sixth player in the tournament’s history to score in the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals in a single edition.

Argentina will now take on the winner of the Morocco-France face-off, in the final clash of the tournament at the Lusail stadium on December 18.

Also read: Non-ticketed fans not allowed to enter FIFA World Cup stadium precincts