FIFA WC 2022: Messi magic takes Argentina to sixth WC final

Story by Shaista Fatima | Posted by shaista fatima | Date 14-12-2022

Messi, Alvarez lead Argentina to FIFA 2022 finals

Lusail stadium was all set, lush green ground was about to witness the sensational FIFA World Cup 2022 first semifinal between Argentina and Croatia.

While Croatia was one of the youngest countries fighting for the prestigious cup, Argentina's Messi was the reason why, when the camera focused on Messi tying his laces seconds before the refree blew his whistle for the match to begin, the fans all over the world took a deep sigh waiting with bated breath for the results 90 minutes down the road.

We're underway in this Semi-final clash!#FIFAWorldCup | #ARG #HRV
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022

🥁 The atmosphere is building...#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/HGeewEaO9g
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022

The match begun and so did the expectations, 10 minutes into the game and nothing happened, both the sides looked head strong at defending their box.

But when Croatian goalkeeper Dominik refused Julian Alvarez his chance to goal, Argentina was blessed with a penalty and in came the legend.

An everlasting smile, a deep sigh and Messi was ready, by the 34th second the goal was secured. With this Messi became Argentina's highest goal scorer in the World Cups.

🇦🇷 Argentina's new all-time leading goalscorer at the #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/kZkMG2BxW3
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022

But that was not all, Alvarez was determined to take back his chance, thus in the 39' he planted a solo all through the midfield, dodging three defenders and before half time Argentina was 2-0.

Delivering for their country... again! 🇦🇷#FIFAWorldCup | #ARG pic.twitter.com/nCu9SW5Fys
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022

Twitterati went gala over the turn of events.

34'—Messi scores
39'—Álvarez scores
69'—Messi assists Álvarez

😤 pic.twitter.com/kxgRkrCSFS
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 13, 2022

Lionel Messi is one step closer to being the first Argentine to lift the World Cup trophy since Maradona in 1986 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/HQznQQ0uql
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 13, 2022

Lionel Messi is the oldest man to ever score 5 goals at a single World Cup 👏

Always breaking records 🐐 pic.twitter.com/s0owXmq7Pb
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 13, 2022

If Messi scores 4 goals today, I will give one person who likes this tweet $1000 pic.twitter.com/fPb75ykP82
— Hasbulla 🐐 (@HasbullaHive) December 13, 2022

Tears of joy from Lionel Messi 🥺 pic.twitter.com/2XDmPHSj4H
— GOAL (@goal) December 13, 2022

The second half started slow but paced in the 68' when Messi's quintessential mischief--toggle-dodge-toggle-pass happened and Alvarez bonded to deliver 3rd goal of the 2022 FIFA WC semifinals.

The destiny was set, intentions were clear, Argentina was on the grounds to win the match and so they did. It is the sixth time that Argentina has reached FIFA WC finals.

Argentina don’t want to hear the extra-time shenanigans vs Croatia. They want to finish this within 90 minutes.
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) December 13, 2022