Messi and Alvarez propel Argentina to World Cup final with 5 minutes.
Later, they would add a third goal to easily defeat Croatia 3-0. Lionel Messi was able to score from the penalty spot despite appearing to have hamstring troubles throughout the first half of the game, and Julian Alvarez added insurance in the 39th minute.
Dominik Lovankovic’s extraordinary error of clattering into Alvarez in the box led to Messi’s penalty. Croatia made modifications at halftime to try to counter, but Messi subsequently set up Alvarez in the 69th minute to effectively conclude the game.
Argentina’s tenacity ensured that they wouldn’t experience the same fate again after losing a 2-0 lead against the Netherlands before winning on penalties. Messi overtook Kylian Mbappe for first place in the Golden Boot rankings with a goal and an assist, but this match is as much about Messi’s supporting cast as it is about his bid for the World Cup.
Alvarez, 22, had to wait his time at Manchester City since Erdling Haaland was the line leader, but he made a significant impact during the World Cup. With his brace on Tuesday, Alvarez has now scored four goals for Argentina, but his work ethic has been as important.
Argentina Victories
Although his earning the penalty and pushing the defense won’t appear on the stat sheet, they were crucial to how Argentina earned victories. Paulo Dybala was playing his first World Cup minutes before the final, therefore it was for a good cause that he was substituted just as he had a chance to complete a hat trick.
Argentina will face either Morocco or France on Sunday after recuperating from a hamstring injury suffered against Roma. Although Croatia played well in the competition and should be pleased with their effort, Messi’s quest for the World Cup has taken precedence today.
