The talismanic forward will be kicking for World Cup glory for the final time at football's grandest stage against either France or Morocco and will look to draw curtains on his World Cup journey with the elusive trophy making its way to his already distinguished trophy cabinet.
Messi's goal in the 34th minute helped Argentina take the lead in the semifinal against Croatia. Julian Alvarez scored a brace to take Argentina into the final and knock out the 2018 World Cup runners-up.
Lionel Messi has equalled Hungarian great Sandor Kocsis and German goal-machine Jurgen Klinsmann with 11 goals. Only Pele (12), Just Fontaine (13), Gerd Muller (14), Brazil's Ronaldo (15) and Germany's Miroslav Klose (16) have scored more goals in FIFA World Cup than Messi.
Argentina went into half-time with a 2-0 lead despite having only 38 per cent possession in comparison to Croatia who had 62. But the Argentines had five shots on target in comparison to Croatia who had none.
Ahead of his country's semifinal clash against France at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Mohammed Maliki, Morocco's Ambassador to India, said that his country's team is a winner already because they have won the hearts of millions of people.
Argentina marched into the semifinals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar, defeating the Netherlands 4-3 via penalties after playing a thrilling 2-2 stalemate that got extended to extra time here at Lusail Stadium on Saturday
Argentina marched into the semifinals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar, defeating the Netherlands 4-3 via penalties after playing a thrilling 2-2 stalemate that got extended to extra time here at Lusail Stadium on Saturday
At the end of half-time, the scoreline read 1-0 in favour of Argentina, who enjoyed only 42 per cent of ball possession as compared to 58 per cent by the Dutch. Both teams were given two yellow cards each. Argentina had hit three shots on target while Netherlands managed none
The second match of the evening pits Lionel Messi and Argentina against the unbeaten Netherlands, which has been outstanding throughout the competition.