World Cup hits and misses: Lionel Messi determined to win football’s greatest prize as latest masterclass ensures Argentina reach Qatar final | Football News

Lionel Messi produced maybe the most effective efficiency of his record-tying 25 appearances at a World Cup, powering Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Croatia, to arrange a gathering with both France or Morocco in Sunday’s final.

Here we discover the speaking factors from Tuesday’s first semi-final…

Messi rises to event, now can he finish the GOAT debate?

For so lengthy, the massive query mark over Lionel Messi’s standing as the GOAT has been his failure to win the World Cup.

Irrespective of his unparalleled achievements – seven Ballon d’Or titles, 4 Champions Leagues and even the Copa America win of two summers in the past – it may all the time be mentioned that he by no means managed to do what Diego Maradona may in 1986.

The extra-time defeat to Germany on the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil felt prefer it is likely to be his final shot. The one which received away, maybe.

But, on the ripe outdated age of 35, Messi has risen to the event for one final dance. He’s out to settle the controversy as soon as and for all.

It has not been with out problem, both. Remember, this all began with a defeat to Saudi Arabia in Argentina’s opening recreation 21 days in the past. Rival followers have been screaming, ‘Where’s Messi?!’ after that.

He’s within the final now.

Messi has scored in all three of Argentina’s knockout matches of this World Cup, main them previous Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia. No participant has scored greater than his 5 objectives in Qatar.

The Paris Saint-Germain ahead has timed this wealthy vein of type to perfection. His strike from the penalty spot was emphatic and his dribble for the third objective mesmeric. This is his second.

Messi could stroll across the pitch, however he’s unstoppable. A win on Sunday and he turns into everlasting, indubitably.
Zinny Boswell

Messi performs the tune however what in regards to the piano carriers?

“Argentina have got 10 fighters and a genius up front,” mentioned Gary Neville.

That genius is the music maestro. The pianist enjoying the spellbinding tune that leaves the viewers in raptures. But to coin an Ian Holloway phrase, it is all very nicely having an awesome pianist enjoying nevertheless it’s no good for those who’ve received nobody to put the piano on stage. That’s what these 10 different blokes do. Do the heavy lifting in order that Messi can dazzle.

But these doing these laborious yards must be celebrated in equal measure. While Messi took his tally to a staggering eight objective involvements at this match vs Croatia, his team-mates are placing up equally dazzling numbers in defence. Croatia may have performed till the beginning of the 2026 World Cup and not scored such was the organisation and want to defend their very own field put in by the Argentina rear-guard.

This defence is a factor of magnificence, led by Cristian Romero. It’s an absolute masterclass in how to prohibit an opposition to low likelihood probabilities by defending as a unit. In six matches at this World Cup, Argentina have allowed simply an anticipated objectives towards determine of two.33, which works out at 0.38 value of anticipated objectives towards per 90 minutes. Opposition groups are operating into an Argentina brick wall, bouncing straight off it and then are subjected to Messi’s music. It’s a World Cup profitable symphony, alright.
Lewis Jones

Majestic Modric bows out to plaudits he deserves

It was not to be. Outbursts of tears have been flowing from the largest superstars as they make emotional exits from what is likely to be their final World Cup. Not Luka Modric, although. Croatia’s image of poise and grace.

The 37-year-old took his place calmly on the Croatia bench within the 81st minute, figuring out his World Cup journey was coming to an agonising shut. Perhaps eternally. The composure was symptomatic of the way in which he performs soccer; with respect and class. Croatia have been merely undone by the next energy and he was powerless to stop it.

A this match, the Real Madrid playmaker continued to play the talismanic function he all the time has carried out for his nation. He may not have scored a objective. He didn’t even register an help. But he is the man who makes something and all the pieces tick – the conductor of the Croatian underdog mission. Modric probed the Argentinians, he managed phases of possession, however his surrounding solid have been unable to reach the extent he so typically can.

“He’s one of those players you’d happily go pay to watch,” Sky Sports‘ Roy Keane regaled on ITV‘s stay protection.

When he was substituted he obtained a standing ovation from each units of followers. Rightly so.

This was not his or Croatia’s best hour, and if it’s the final time we see Modric on the worldwide stage, it appears like a merciless and disappointing finish. His legacy, nevertheless, will stay gloriously on and Croatia may have to contest a third-place play-off, as ill-fitting as that’s. This workforce has run out of street, assembly its final finish towards Lionel Messi’s trendy Argentina, however what a run, and what a participant. A real grasp of his craft.
Laura Hunter