An inspired Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot and Julian Alvarez struck twice as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to reach their second World Cup final in eight years.
Runners-up four years ago in Russia, Croatia have established themselves as specialists in taking knockout matches deep, eight of their last nine in major tournaments going to extra-time.
But that never looked likely after Argentina took complete control of the semi-final with a five-minute spell in the opening period. Lionel Messi lashed home a penalty for his fifth goal of the tournament, before Alvarez doubled the lead with a solo run.
There was not to be another comeback from Croatia, Argentina tightening it up after the break and a second for Alvarez, after some Messi magic, put the result beyond doubt. They will be at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, when they will play either France or Morocco in football’s biggest match.
Croatia started the match confidently and dominated possession, their midfield trio quickly settling into their work. The situation looked even more concerning for Argentina as Messi began to limp, holding his left hamstring.
Argentina’s captain was fine though and was soon putting his country in front. Alvarez was played in behind, knocked the ball past Dominik Livakovic and was cleaned out by the goalkeeper. Messi hammered the penalty into the top corner to continue his run of scoring in each of the knockout games in Qatar.
The celebrations had barely died down by the time the lead was doubled, Argentina’s front two combining again. This time Messi poked the ball through to Alvarez to start a counter, the Manchester City striker picking it up on the halfway line. He ran with it all the way into the Croatian box, bundled his way through a challenge and lifted a finish over Livakovic as the ball dropped back at his feet.
Croatia continued to see plenty of the ball after the break but there was no cutting edge to go with it. Messi nearly got his second of the night after a sublime one-two with Enzo Fernandez, only to see his effort from a tight angle kept out by Livakovic.
The third goal did come for Argentina, Messi inevitably involved. He beat Josko Gvardiol, slowed down and skinned the centre-back for a second time before cutting the ball back and putting it on a plate for Alvarez to seal victory.
