LUSAIL (Qatar) — Lionel Messi bent down, grasped his left hamstring, and grimaced, instantly causing panic in the soccer world, but especially among all Argentines.

Their idol, their superstar, was injured. He was going to be forced to leave early in the World Cup semifinals.

Croatia has had no such luck.

Soon, Messi was putting on perhaps the best performance in his 25 World Cup appearances. He led Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday. This set up a meeting between France and Morocco for Sunday’s final.

Messi is back in soccer’s most important match, on his quest to win the game’s highest prize. He could not be more playing at 35.

Messi converted a penalty, and was a part of the two goals by Julian Alvarez – one with an extraordinary piece of skill that brought cheers from Argentina’s vast following — to transform an initially stressful occasion into a procession.

Messi, who was looking up at the scarf-waving fans of Argentina in post-match interviews, said that he is feeling overwhelmed. It was amazing to see all the supporters, ‘the family’ throughout the tournament. We are going to the final. That’s what we wanted.”

This will be Messi’s second World Cup final. Argentina lost the previous one to Germany in 2014.

A player widely considered to be one of the best in the game, if not the best, is now ready to take the ultimate high.

He’s astonishing his fans all along the way.

His driving run and pivot to score the third goal for Alvarez at the 69thminute left Josko Gvardiol, one of the top defenders at this World Cup — grasping at air and epitomizing Messi’s confidence.

He has taken on the responsibility to lead Argentina to its third World Cup title. He scored in five of six Qatari games.

Even in the one game he did not score, he had a penalty saved.

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach, said that he was honored to have him train and watch him play during post-match celebrations. He was visibly emotional. His teammates, fans, and the entire world are energized every time he plays.

Croatia’s bid to reach the second consecutive World Cup final was thwarted by conceding two goals within five minutes of the 34th goal. This occurred just as the team was enjoying a comfortable atmosphere at Lusail Stadium, and Messi was raising concern by rubbing his hamstring.

Perhaps it was a trick. Messi soon began to play with his opponents in a way that only he can. He put Argentina ahead when he lifted his penalty into the top corner.

After a fast run from halfway that began after Messi’s pass, Alvarez scored the 39th. Alvarez’s second goal was the highlight of the match, coming after Messi had taken Gvardiol on a ride in right corner.

It was one too many for Croatia, having beaten Japan on penalties and Brazil in the knockout stage. Star midfielder LukaModric, who is 37, has probably played his last World Cup match.

The little magician in midfield was frustrated and was replaced in the 81st minutes. He had bright red eyes from the impact of the ball on his face.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dali said that the first goal changed the direction of play. “It’s the Messi that we all expected to see.”

Argentina has reached the final six times, maintaining its World Cup semifinals record of never losing.

Argentina’s opening match against Saudi Arabia was a bittersweet experience. It will be difficult to win the final against Messi, who is playing so well.

Messi stated, “Even though our first match was lost, we were confident that the group would continue to move forward.” “We know who we are and we appealed to the fans for their faith in us.

MESSI RECORDS

Argentina’s World Cup record scorer, Messi scored his third penalty in the tournament to make it 11. This was one more than Gabriel Batistuta. His 25th appearance at the World Cup, which is the same as Lothar Matthaus from Germany, also tied him for the record for most appearances.

ALVAREZ

Alvarez, 22 years old, was not the tournament’s striker. Alvarez only replaced Lautaro Martinez as Argentina’s striker in the third group match. He now has four goals, one more than Messi and Mbappe. He is the youngest player who has scored twice in a World Cup semifinal match, since Pele, a 17-year old, scored a hat-trick in 1958.

@tubisports That’s two for Julián Álvarez. Argentina leads 3-0 against Croatia. 🇦🇷 😮‍💨 | #ArgentinavCroatia #Argentina #Messi #Leo #WorldCup #Qatar2022 ♬ leo andres messi – Neymar🔥👽