Argentina vs Croatia Semi Final Highlights: Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to enter the final

Lionel Messi mesmerised again as he helped Argentina storm into their sixth World Cup final by defeating Croatia 3-0 in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Wednesday. Messi scored a goal and produced a stunning assist, while Julian Alvarez struck two goals for the two-time champions at Lusail stadium. Argentina did not allow the 2018 finalists Croatia any chance to make a comeback after going 2-0 up at the halftime break.

Next stop - Final

Argentina in final!

FT - It's all over! Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to storm into the final

Two goals by swashbuckling striker Julian Alvarez and a Lionel Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semi-final on Wednesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, who came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but their neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory.

93' - Corner for Croatia late in the stoppage time. Easily cleared out by Argentina.

90' - 5 minutes added as stoppage time

89' - Majer shoots it, from the top of the box, close to Argentina keeper Martinez, who dives to his left to collect it.

86' - SUBSTITUTION! Double change for Argentina: Correa and Foyth replace Molina and Mac Allister

85' - Corner for Croatia. Lovren misses his tap in on the far post. Goal kick for Argentina.

83' - MISSED! Argentina take a quick free-kick and Mac Allister gets the ball on the right side of the penalty area. He shoots it just wide of the Croatia goal.

Pic: Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their third goal as Croatia's Dominik Livakovic reacts.

(Reuters Photo)

81' - SUBSTITUTION! Change for Croatia: Majer replaces Modric

78' - Orsic tries to curl it into the top corner of the far post from the edge of the Argentina box from the left, but it goes well wide. Good attempt though.

74' - SUBSTITUTION! Double change for Argentina: Palacios and Dybala replace De Paul and Alvarez

73' - Perisic shoots it through the Argentina wall from the free-kick, but Argentina keeper Martinez is alert and collects it comfortably.

72' - SUBSTITUTION! Change for Croatia: Livaja replaces Kramaric

71' - YELLOW CARD! Argentina's Otamendi is booked for a foul on Petkovic.

69' - GOALLL!!! Alvarez scores his second to make it 3-0 for Argentina

WHAT A GOAL!!!! Lionel Messi weaved his magic again, before setting it up for Alvarez to score the third goal for Argentina. Messi charged down the right flank and went past Gvardiol to reach the byline, and cut back a perfect pass for Alvarez. Alvarez doubled his goals from six yards. It is arguably the assist of the World Cup.

68' - YELLOW CARD! Argentina's Romero is booked for a foul from behind on Petkovic.

64' - Still no attempts on target for Croatia in the game. Argentina have registered 6 on target from 7 attempts.