Messi Dazzles as Argentina Crushes Croatia in World Cup Semi-finalsMessi Dazzles as Argentina Crushes Croatia in World Cup Semi-finals In a mesmerizing performance, Lionel Messi led Argentina to a stunning 3-0 victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday. The Barcelona legend was at the heart of everything, scoring one goal and assisting another as Argentina booked their place in Sunday’s final. Messi opened the scoring in the 34th minute, coolly converting a penalty after a foul on Julián Álvarez. The Argentine talisman then turned provider 20 minutes later, with a perfectly weighted pass finding Álvarez for a clinical finish. Croatia, who had stunned Brazil in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals, struggled to contain Messi’s brilliance. The diminutive forward was unplayable at times, dribbling through opponents with ease and creating chances at will. In the 69th minute, Messi sealed the victory with a moment of pure artistry. He received the ball on the right flank, skipped past two Croatian defenders, and fired a low, curling shot into the bottom corner. The goal was Messi’s fifth of the tournament and drew comparisons to the legendary Diego Maradona’s iconic solo run against England in 1986. Argentina dominated the game throughout, with Croatia rarely threatening their goal. The victory sends Argentina to their sixth World Cup final, where they will face either France or Morocco. Messi, now 35, is on the verge of fulfilling his dream of winning the World Cup. The Argentine legend has been in sensational form throughout the tournament and will be looking to cap off his extraordinary career with the ultimate prize. Argentina’s victory was a testament to their collective strength and the brilliance of Lionel Messi. The Albiceleste will now have six days to prepare for their showdown in the final, where they will aim to add a third World Cup title to their illustrious history.
