Messi, Alvarez secure Argentina’s place at final, thrash Croatia 3-0

The duo of Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez on Tuesday scored and secured Argentina’s place at the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi scored a goal and set up another, as Argentina thrash Croatia 3-0 at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.

Croatia, which beat Brazil on penalties fell like pack of cards as the Argentines dominated the game and hit three goals past the usual ‘stubborn’ Croatia defence.

Messi’s penalty and Julian Alvarez’s brace were enough to see Artentina through to the final.

Messi opened scoring from the penalty spot on 34th minute. He put the ball into the top right corner past the outstretched arm of Dominik Livakovic.

Five minutes later, Argentina made it 2-0. Alvarez received the ball after a swift counter attack. He cut his way through the defence to score a goal.

The Argentine got his brace and made it 3-0 for his country on 69th minute.

Messi laid the ball off to Alvarez, who shot from close range low into the back of the net.

Croatia had 12 goal attempts and managed to have two shots on goal, while Argentina had 10 goal attempts and seven shots on goal.