WORLD CUP ROUNDUP: Messi produces a stellar performance as Argentina thrash Croatia in semifinal

Emmanuel Alfred

Lionel Messi was in corruscating form as Argentina thrash Croatia in the semifinals of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar .

The match which ended 3-0 for the Argentines saw Messi score a goal and produce an assist on an entertaining night at the Lusail Stadium.
Croatia had dominated possession in the first half until Croatia goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic fouled Julian Alvarez.
A penalty resulted and it was the 35 year old Messi who dispatched it.

Alvarez made it two five minutes later when he took Messi’s header just inside Croatian territory and embarked on a slaloming run, aided by fortunate bounces off Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa, before beating Livakovic.
Messi mesmerised Croatia’s excellent defender Josko Gvardiol on the byeline before playing in Alvarez for the finish
He now has an opportunity to win the World Cup in Sunday after he and Argentina lost in 2014 to Germany.
Below are some of the records set by Lionel Messi in the win:

Played his 25th FIFA World Cup match: equalling the tournament record for most appearances in history, alongside Lothar Matthaus.

He also Scored his 11th World Cup goal in total: surpassing Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s highest scorer in the tournament history.

With five goals and 3 assists, he created his 8th World Cup goal in total equalling the tournament record set by Diego Maradona since 1966 when records began.

Scored his 5th goal of World Cup 2022: Moving level with Kylian Mbappe as the tournament’s highest scorer.

Awarded his 3rd ‘Player of the Match’ in a row: a feat no other player has achieved during the knockout stages of a World Cup.

Became Argentina’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 11 goals