FIFA World Cup 2022 | Resilient Argentina bounds past a flagging Croatia

Argentina scored three in the semifinal match against Croatia who otherwise dominated the midfield

The playlist had run its course, and the voices were all hoarse, but they refused to stop singing as the man they were praising was there in front, crying after delivering yet another joyful night.

The long unfulfilled promise of the shiny FIFA World Cup trophy is making Lionel Messi draw up hitherto hidden weapons from his armoury. Here he scored one and created another in Lusail as he and his beloved Argentina found extra gear to ward off Croatia and move into the final.

Argentina was circumspect as Croatia’s trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic used their experience and skill to take over the early midfield battle.

But this Argentina is more resilient and has weathered every storm. Messi led the way, dropping deep to be most involved in this World Cup — 65 touches, 10 dribbles (the most in the game) and three take-ons — to drag his team out of this mess.

As Croatia slowed to regain its breath, Argentina picked up, with Messi jolting on like an appliance suddenly plugged in and danced past a few challenges to play a one-two with Enzo Fernandez, with his pass almost reaching Nicolas Tagliafico, who had darted in from the left.

He was back soon, weaving and dancing down the middle, and Kovacic, in control till then, was suddenly looking out of place.

Argentina’s penalty came when Julian Alvarez’s bursting run was cut short by Dominik Livakovic as the striker lifted the ball over his head after Enzo Fernandez robbed Modric to play a simple through ball over the high press.