Lionel Messi scored a goal and set up another, as Argentina thrash Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to reach the final of the World Cup in Qatar.
Croatia, which beat Brazil on penalties were never a match for the Argentines as they 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 Artentina through to the final.
Messi opened scoring from the penalty spot on 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 counter attack. Still with some work to do, he wove his way through the defence to score a wonderful goal from close range.
The Argentine got his brace and made it 3-0 for his country on 69th minute.
Messi laid the ball off to Alvarez, who shot from close range low into the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
On 83rd minute, Alexis Mac Allister received a brilliant pass and wasted a big opportunity as his shot from inside the penalty area flew narrowly wide of the right post.
Croatia had 12 goal attempts and managed to have two shots on goal, while Argentina had 10 goal attempts and seven shots on goal.
