Magical Messi send Argentina to the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.

Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to advance to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi playing a key role in the triumph.

Argentina’s all-time greatest scorer at World Cup finals, Messi, opened the scoring with a powerfully struck penalty on minute 34. Minutes later, Alvarez finished a direct solo move through the center of Croatia’s defense and tapped in to increase Argentina’s lead just before halftime.

With the help of Messi’s trademark run, which saw him slip past Josko Gvardiol and then pass the ball back to Alvarez for an easy goal, the team’s third goal was added by Alvarez.

Argentina, who has won the World Cup twice (1978 and 1986), will play either France or Morocco in the championship game on Sunday.

Croatia, which placed second in Russia four years ago, leaves the competition in the midst of yet another unexpected run to the quarterfinals.

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