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Gvardiol of Croatia reflects on getting toasted by Messi in the 2022 World Cup semi-final.
After having trouble containing Lionel Messi in the World Cup semifinals, Josko Gvardiol claims he will gain knowledge from the experience of playing against him.
Messi embarrassed the Croatian defence in the World Cup semifinal between the two sides by turning him inside-out and finding a way through him to set up Julian Alvarez for the third goal.
The centre-back, who believes he held his own against Messi for the full 90 minutes, asserted that the attacker is a different animal when representing his country.
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He told reporters: “It was a nice experience even though I played against him in the club last season. He is a completely different type of player in the club and in the national team, I am glad that I played against him even though we lost. But today and tomorrow I will be able to tell the children that I guarded Messi for 90 minutes. I guess we will beat him next time.”
Gvardiol’s reputation among the European elite is still improving despite Messi’s constant manipulation of him. The RB Leipzig defender, who will not be cheap after signing a contract extension with the club in the summer, is reportedly being pursued by Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid.
By eliminating Croatia, Argentina earned a spot in the national title game, where they will play France on Sunday. On Saturday, Croatia will compete against Morocco for third place.