Messi's Dream Lives on as Argentina Defeats Croatia to Reach the World Cup Final

Argentina and Lionel Messi have done it yet again in the World Cup semi final after defeating Croatia 3-0.

It was the fifth time Argentina has played in a World Cup semifinal (defeating the USA in 1930, Belgium in 1986, Italy in 1990 and the Netherlands in 2014).

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The last time Argentina won the World Cup was in 1986.

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In the 32nd minute, Julián Álvarez went one-on-one with Croatian keeper Dominik Livaković who brought Álvarez down - winning a penalty kick.

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Lionel Messi then stepped up to do what he seemingly always does.

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He punched the ball high and to the right giving his side a 1-0 lead.

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In the 39th minute, Álvarez led a counterattack and lofted the ball past Livaković to give Argentina a 2-0 lead at the half.

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In the 69th minute, Messi had a flash of unbelievable ballhandling against Croatia defender Joško Gvardiol on the right side of the goal.

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Messi then found Álvarez who powered it in for the 3-0 lead. Of Croatia's twelve shots on goal, only two were on target.

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Argentina entered this match having lost only one of their last 41 international games (28 wins, 12 draws).

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While Croatia, runners-up in the 2018 tournament, had lost just one of their last 12 World Cup matches.

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Argentina will play the winner of Wednesday's semifinal between France and Morocco on Sunday.

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Croatia's World Cup tournament is not done yet. It will play in the third place match on Saturday against the loser of tomorrow's semifinal.

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