The table was set for an Argentina vs Croatia World Cup rematch from 2018. In Russia, Croatia beat Argentina 3-0. The South Americans were seeking revenge. The winner would go on to the final. All eyes were on the brilliant playmakers and No. 10's, Messi and Modric.
it's Argentina vs Croatia again... pic.twitter.com/WDt9lDWEi9
— Saty (???) (@Goallessi) December 11, 2022
Argentina were favored to win. Even the turtle Pandolfina confirmed.
Tortuga Pandolfina predice Argentina vs. Croacia pic.twitter.com/JAIoKljYCY
— gladysireneruscio (@gladysIreneRus) December 11, 2022
Buildup to the match was at a fever pitch. In Rosario, Argentina, Messi's hometown, the largest jersey in the world was unveiled. It bore the name of, who else, #10 Messi.
¡ALTA EN EL CIELO! En helicóptero fue elevada esta camiseta gigante de la Selección Argentina, la más grande del mundo, en Santa Fe, en la previa a las semifinales vs. Croacia en el Mundial. Impresionante. pic.twitter.com/xIrxhRMLqo
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) December 13, 2022
A half-hour before match start, Lusail Stadium was starting to pack fans, overwhelmingly rooting for the albicelestes.
Rodrigo masacra los parlantes del Lusail, a 35 minutos de Argentina-Croacia. pic.twitter.com/7dmA0E4jxw
— Carlos Maslatón (@CarlosMaslaton) December 13, 2022
The first half of the match was waged in midfield, for ball control. No one better than Messi was able to weave through the tough Croatian midfield. Here is how fans in Tucumán, Argentina cheered Messi's penalty goal.
LOCURA EN TUCUMÁN. Euforia desatada en el gol de penal de Messi, que puso el 1-0 en el triunfo parcial de Argentina ante Croacia.
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) December 13, 2022
? #ESPNQatarEnStarPlus pic.twitter.com/DWjsyhxzk6
Argentina's version of Gran Hermano, or Big Brother, was anxiously watching, and erupted at Messi's goal.
Gol de Argentina.
— Gran Hermano Clips (@GHermano_2022) December 13, 2022
Argentina 1-0 Croacia #GH2022 #GranHermano pic.twitter.com/3yztRuxpvZ
In the end, Argentina advance to the final, and get revenge over Croatia with an identical scoreline from World Cup 2018, in a group stage match.
Argentina has its revenge on Croatia! ? pic.twitter.com/tMiRN8RXjC
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) December 13, 2022
Three spectacular goals, one by Messi, and two by Julian Alvarez.
The 3 Goals pic.twitter.com/yyXDFajI3B
— Waleed M. Thabet (???? ?. ????) (@WaleedAlqubati) December 13, 2022
Argentina celebrated in front of close to 90,000 fans at Lusail Stadium in Doha.
Messi's Argentina through to a World Cup final for a 2nd time in 8years.
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) December 13, 2022
The South Americans claimed a 3-0 victory over Croatia and keep their record of never losing a World Cup semi final match !
One more step,one more , Messi!!???? pic.twitter.com/7RYLWMjIRc
Can Messi crown his legacy with a World Cup trophy?
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
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