Lionel Messi scored from the spot to place Argentina 1-0 up of their World Cup semi-final conflict in opposition to Croatia.
The 35-year-old blasted house from the penalty spot to provide his Argentina aspect the lead within the thirty fourth minute, after Julian Alvarez was taken out by Croatia ‘keeper Dominik Livakovic.
Messi made no mistake from 12 yards out, drawing degree with France star Kylian Mbappe on 5 targets within the race for the Golden Boot.
Lionel Messi scored to place Argentina 1-0 up of their World Cup semi-final conflict in opposition to Croatia
In beginning the match, Messi additionally drew degree with Germany legend Lothar Matthaus when it comes to appearances on the World Cup, with a complete of 25.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will transfer to 26 caps and overtake Matthaus’ document if his aspect attain the ultimate, the place they’d play both France or Morocco, on Sunday afternoon.
And Messi’s trigger was given a significant enhance simply 5 minutes later, with Alvarez this time changing to place Argentina 2-0 up inside the first half.
Argentina’s second objective got here after some calamitous defending from a often stable Croatia, with the Manchester Metropolis man finally poking house previous a hapless Livakovic.
The loser of tonight’s conflict will play in Saturday’s third-place play-off, which begins at 3pm GMT.
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