After 23 days, Lionel Messi is right where he wanted to be – in the World Cup finals. Argentinian captain played another perfect match, scored one and assisted for another goal and got into a position to secure the only missing trophy in his illustrious career. After a wonderful display against the first favorite of the tournament, Brazil, Croatia got the respect they deserved, but nothing more. Messi and his teammates scored three unanswered goals, created as many chances and this time, it was Manchester City’s striker Julian Alvarez who assisted Messi in this big win with a brace: Argentina – Croatia 3-0. Most goals + assists at the World Cup since 1966:🇩🇪 19 – Miroslav Klose 🇧🇷 19 – Ronaldo 🇦🇷 19 – Lionel Messi 🆕One more for the record. 👀 pic.twitter.com/KnGl0sMWhR— Squawka (@Squawka) December 13, 2022 Coaching ‘rookie’ Lionel Scaloni decided to put two defensive midfielders in the first 11 and four defenders at the back, a proper respect for the team who reached a remarkable three semi-finals in only six World Cup appearances. Led by 37-year old Real midfielder Luka Modrić, Croatia did their best, but the team which went this far while leading only 57 minutes during the whole tournament finally found its match. Messi and his teammates played a clever game, even let the Croats have possession (61%), but destroyed them with counter attacks and showed hunger and willingness to put the game to bed as soon as possible in order to finally reach that long awaited final. And Lionel Messi also became Argentina’s top scorer in the World Cups in the process (11), surpassing Gabriel Batistuta. What a night to be an Argentinian fan!3 – Lionel Messi is the first player to score and assist in three different games in a single edition of a World Cup since 1966. Goat. #ARGCRO #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Jbiz2uTw89— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) December 13, 2022 Contrary to other expectations, it was Croatia who had the possession instead of the Argentinians and had the game wrapped up during the first 20 minutes. But their lack of speedy wide player prevented them from really hurting Argentina. So in fact, they had possession, but not a single shot on or off target. And Argentina eventually got out of their grasp and started to threaten with pace and from the counter. Their maiden shot on target in the 25th minute was a sign of things to come. Less than 10 minutes later, Lovren made a great defensive error and allowed Alvarez to get into the penalty area, where keeper Livakovic brought him down. Lionel Messi took the ball calmly and smashed it for the lead.Five minutes later, it was 2-0. Again Alvarez, again counter attack. Messi got the ball to City’s striker and he kept running from his own half straight into the penalty area and got a bit selfish as well, not passing the ball to his teammates, but Croatia’s defense was horrible again. They failed to take the ball from him and he punished them with his first goal in this match. It was nearly 3-0 for Argentina in the end of the first half, but Livaković made a great save.There was no Netherlands type of comeback in the second half. Argentina never allowed a 2-0 comeback like against the Dutch and they totally took control of the game. It was mainly down to Messi to keep the ball and create chances and he had one for himself in the 58th minute, but it was Livakovic on his path again. And then the PSG star made a superb run 40 meters from goal, ‘broke down’ Joško Gvardiol and served a perfect ball to Alvarez for his second goal and the final 3-0.QATAR 2022 WORLD CUP1/2 FINALSTuesdayArgentina – Croatia 3-0 (2-0)/Messi (p) 34, Alvarez 39,69/Wednesday22.00: (1.60) France (3.70) Morocco (7.50)
