Minutes into the Semi-final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, Lionel Messi scored a penalty before Julian Alvarez makes it 2-0 before half-time against Croatia.
With only one significant gap on his illustrious professional resume, Messi and his Argentina team are aiming to bring home their country’s third world championship.
While Croatia’s hope headed by captain Luka Modric is on the verge of proceeding to the final with 2 goals down in the first half.
Croatia, having lost 4 goals to France in the 2018 Russia World Cup final has shown strong determination since the commencement of the Qatar World Cup. Argentina on the other hand, has displayed similar commitment.
As it stands, Argentina already has a foot in the final and all it takes is to maintain its lead, nevertheless, the popular adage that goes “it is not over until it is over” could mean a sure twist of fate for the Croatian team.
Going by their long-time rivalry, their last clash at the World Cup was in Russia 2018, seeing Croatia nail Argentina three goals to nil in Group D.
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Let’s take a look at what the experts are saying about the first half:
@OptaJoe “13 – Since the 1966 edition, no player has scored or assisted in more different World Cup matches than Lionel Messi (13 – level with Ronaldo). Mesmerising.
@itvfootball Little bit of luck, but he won’t mind! ???? Julian Alvarez bags his third goal at this World Cup to put Argentina 2-0 up!! Croatia are going to need a stellar second half to turn this around… ????
@FabrizioRomano “Lionel Andrés Messi. 11 total goals at World Cup in his entire career. ✨???????? #Qatar2022Messi becomes Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.