Our 3️⃣ points after magical Messi leads Argentina to the brink of glory | OneFootball

An inspirational performance from Lionel Messi saw Argentina comfortably beat Croatia to reach the World Cup final.

Here is what we made of it.

Magic Messi

We’ve all heard the tales of Diego Maradona, seen the videos of Pelé and read about the exploits of Eusébio.

But perhaps this is where we have witnessed greatness, lived through history and had the memories we’ll recall in decades’ time as it played out before our very eyes.

Lionel Messi could be just about the greatest player to ever play the game and he has inspired his country to be within 90 minutes of wining the greatest prize in the sport.

Argentina’s number 10 has a date with destiny on Sunday. A chance to right the wrongs of 2014. An opportunity to create an image of him lifting the golden trophy that will become synonymous with football.

The 35-year-old Messi isn’t a Messi that is at the peak of his powers but it is still one that has almost single-handedly guided his country to the World Cup final.

There was the stunning long-range goal against Mexico in the group stage to save them from the brink of elimination before the vital opener in the last 16 win over Australia and the penalty in the quarter-final exploits against Netherlands.

And then came tonight.

His 33rd minute penalty to break the deadlock meant he overtook Gabriel Batitusta to became his country’s all-time top goalscorer at a World Cup finals with 11 goals.

His assist for Julián Álvarez’s second goal was a throwback to the Messi of five years ago, turning Joško Gvardiol inside out before laying the ball on a plate for the Manchester City striker to slot home.

That helping hand means he has now equalled Diego Maradona’s record for eight assists for Argentina at a World Cup.

The records keep on tumbling. The magic keeps on sparkling. Messi is not done yet.

A new chapter of history could be about to be written on Sunday and we’re all living through it.

Within 90 minutes of glory

Argentina are 90 minutes away from a third World Cup title as a tournament that started with a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia could end with the biggest achievement of all.

Lionel Scaloni’s side went into that opening game with the chance of equalling Italy’s record of 35 unbeaten international games before being brought back down to earth after that surprise defeat.

Even the most die-hard Albiceleste supporter may have been rendered delusional for saying they would be looking forward to a World Cup final appearance following the conclusion of that game.

But Argentina have shown why they have lost just one game in five years in the 23 days since that solitary defeat, taking a 2-0 lead in their last five matches at the finals.

Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi have been impenetrable at the back at times while the industry of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister lay the foundations for the likes of Messi and Álvarez to shine.

Scaloni has set up a functional team that appears hard to beat but can kill teams with deadly blows in bursts of inspirational genius.

They may only need 10 minutes of quality to win the final, either France or Morocco would be sensible not to fall behind.

A legend bows out?

Messi’s journey will continue but another legend of the game may just have signed off at international level tonight.

Luka Modrić is unlikely to appear at another World Cup but his impact on the tournament will not be forgotten in a hurry.

The 37-year-old has rolled back the years in Qatar, adding a box-to-box engine to the delicate creative skills he shows on a weekly basis wearing the Real Madrid shirt.

He went into the game tonight in the top three for most ball recoveries at the tournament so far (39) showing his standing as the complete midfielder.

His ability to retain the ball, dance away from his markers casually and eye for a pass make him a joy to watch.

This World Cup won’t end in glory for the Croatian but he has shown his remarkable skill to the eyes of the world again over the past three weeks.