Lionel Messi delivered one of the great moments of the World Cup in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Croatia in the semi-finals.
Two goals clear for the Albiceleste, Messi booked his place in Sunday’s final with exceptional brilliance to create his country’s third.
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Messi delivered another memorable moment
The 35-year-old, arguably the greatest player of all time, advanced his case by rolling back the years and twisting the Croatian defense upside down.
Josko Gvardiol, one of the tournament’s standout players, couldn’t stop a magnificent, jerky run from the Argentine genius, which started just inside Croatia’s half and ended on the touchline.
After opening the scoring from the penalty spot, Messi drove into the Croatian box and spun Gvardiol on the edge before putting the ball on a plate for Alvarez, who had previously doubled Argentina’s lead.
The moment left talkSPORT commentator Jim Proudfoot and England legend Stuart Pearce stunned.
Proudfoot said: “He’s rolled back the years again, it’s another classic World Cup moment from Messi.
“He took the ball, he beat challenge after challenge, he worked his way through the penalty area, he sent it back for Alvarez, who couldn’t miss.
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Messi could not be stopped
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Alvarez had the easiest task
“It’s Lionel Messi who’s going to be in the 2022 World Cup final and he’s going to be in inspiring form.
“Messi providing the platform with a goal and an assist was just sublime. Croatia had no answer… Messi just ripped them apart.
Pearce added: “Gvardiol came into this game with a big, big reputation as a rising young man in the coming, but he came up against an absolute genius there.
“He twisted, he turned, he showed strength, he showed vision, he showed balance, he showed everything. And he just took Argentina to World Cup final.
“Incredible game from Messi. Absolutely amazing.
“I had to drop my mic and just applaud what I had just seen, unbelievable.”
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