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.
The Organizing Committee expressed satisfaction over the progress of the works. All the officials present were requested to put in their best efforts and ensure that the Hockey World Cup is a grand success.
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.
India defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets to secure their third consecutive win in the 3rd T20 World Cup for the Blind. Sri Lanka overcame Nepal for their fourth consecutive victory.
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.
The tour represents the start of a busy year for the Ireland Men's squad that includes four tours, several home series, competing in two world cup qualifying campaigns and holds the tantalising prospect of playing at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India at the end of the year
Ronaldo's chance to win a World Cup title at the FIFA World Cup 2022 may have been his last, and the 37-year-old left empty-handed after Portugal's elimination from the competition.
The White Ferns will be coached by Sara McGlashan for the 15-day competition from January 14 to January 29. The former New Zealand player is looking forward to the challenge.