Lionel Messi handed MotM award by Sergio Aguero after Argentina 3-0 Croatia | OneFootball

Lionel Messi put on a masterclass as Argentina reached the final of the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday evening.

The 35-year-old has been in incredible form all tournament and he was at his best once again in Argentina’s semi-final clash with Croatia.

Messi scored the opener from the penalty spot and then provided two assists for Julian Alvarez as Argentina won 3-0.

His second assist for Alvarez was just exquisite.

Messi picked up the ball on the half-way line, turned Josko Gvardiol inside out and put the ball on a plate for Alvarez to tap home.

Sergio Aguero gives Lionel Messi Man-of-the-Match award

Messi was handed the Man-of-the-Match award following his brilliance.

And there was a wholesome moment as his good friend and former teammate, Aguero, handed him the award.

Aguero then paid tribute to his good friend on social media.

He wrote: “It is an immense joy to give you this Leo award! You deserve it, friend. I love you! One more step! Let’s go Argentina.”

Messi: We played very well

Messi spoke to the media after the win against Croatia and he was very happy with his side’s performance.

“Well, what I can say is that I am enjoying this a lot,” Messi said with a smile, per the Independent. “I am feeling really good.

“This is what we’ve been doing in every match. The previous match was a big sacrifice and we went into extra time. That wasn’t easy.

“Today we were tired but we pulled our strengths to earn this victory.

“We played very well. We knew that we would play this way. We prepared this a lot because we knew they wouldn’t have the ball because we would need to run in this match and then keep our chances.

“So, as I say, I think we prepared this match in a very good way, as we always do.

“And, personally, I can say that I feel very happy in this whole World Cup. I am enjoying it a lot and luckily enough I am able to help my whole squad to make things happen.”

Messi and Argentina are now just one step away from glory. They will face either France of Morocco in the final on December 18.