Lionel Messi has put Argentina 1-0 up within the World Cup closing in opposition to France with an expertly taken first-half penalty.
Angel Di Maria, beginning for the primary time because the group phases, was introduced down by Ousmane Dembele, and the Argentinian mastermind as soon as once more made no mistake from 12 yards out.
In doing so, Messi has moved to 6 targets in Qatar, pulling away from French star Kylian Mbappe within the race for the Golden Boot.
Lionel Messi scored from the spot to place Argentina 1-0 up within the World Cup closing in opposition to France
Messi, as he has been all through the entire event in Qatar, was the best man within the stadium as he transformed the penalty.
The ahead stuttered, waited for Hugo Lloris within the France internet to commit, and easily slotted house into the underside proper nook.
Messi was then swarmed by his Argentina team-mates, whereas the Lusail Stadium erupted right into a frenzy.
Messi was as soon as once more ruthless from 12 yards out as he despatched Hugo Lloris the incorrect method
The Argentina captain was joined by his team-mates after giving them an important lead
Not solely has Messi taken one other step in direction of each World Cup glory and the Golden Boot, he additionally made historical past changing into the event’s all-time look maker.
He leapfrogged Germany World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus with Sunday showdown within the Center East marking his twenty sixth event look.
Matthaus captained Germany to glory in Italy in 1990 having fallen brief in two earlier finals.
France now face an uphill battle as they give the impression of being to safe back-to-back World Cup triumphs, having taken the crown 4 years in the past in Russia.
