On Tuesday, the duo of Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored and secured Argentina’s place at the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Messi scored a goal and set up another, as Argentina thrashed Croatia 3-0 at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.
Croatia, which beat Brazil on penalties fell like a pack of cards as the Argentines dominated the game and hit three goals past the usual ‘stubborn’ Croatia defence.
Messi’s penalty and Julian Alvarez’s brace were enough to see Argentina through to the final.
Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 34th minute. He put the ball into the top right corner past the outstretched arm of Dominik Livakovic.
Five minutes later, Argentina made it 2-0. Alvarez received the ball after a swift counterattack. He cut his way through the defence to score a goal.
The Argentine got his brace and made it 3-0 for his country in the 69th minute.
Messi laid the ball off to Alvarez, who shot from close range low into the back of the net.
Croatia had 12 goal attempts and two shots on goal, while Argentina had 10 goal attempts and seven shots on goal.