World Cup hits and misses: Lionel Messi is determined to win football’s biggest prize as latest masterclass includes Argentina reaching Qatar final | football news

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Lionel Messi produced perhaps the best performance in his 25 competitive World Cup appearances, guiding Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Croatia, to set up a meeting with France or Morocco in Sunday’s final. Here we explore the talking points from Tuesday’s first semi-final…

Messi rises to the occasion, now can he end the goat controversy?

For a long time, the big question mark over Lionel Messi’s status as the goat was his failure to win the World Cup.

Aside from his unparalleled achievements – seven Ballon d’Or titles, four Champions Leagues and even winning the Copa America two years ago – it can always be said that he never managed to do what Diego Maradona could in 1986.

The extra-time defeat by Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final in Brazil looked like it might be his last chance. The one who escaped, perhaps.

But at the age of 35, Messi rose to the occasion for one last dance. He is out to settle the debate once and for all.

It wasn’t without the challenge either. Remember, it all started with Saudi Arabia’s defeat in Argentina’s opening match 21 days ago. The rival fans were shouting, “Where’s Messi?!” Then.

He’s in the final now.

Messi scored in all three of Argentina’s World Cup knockout matches, leading them to Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia. No player has scored more than five goals in Qatar.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward has mastered this rich context of form to perfection. His penalty shot was emphatic and his dribbling for the third goal mesmerizing. This is his moment.

Messi may roam around the field, but he can’t be stopped. Sunday win and become eternal no doubt zeny boswell

Messi plays the melody, but what about the piano stands? Image: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the first goal for Argentina

“Argentina have 10 fighters and geniuses up front,” said Gary Neville.

This genius is the maestro of music. The pianist plays the enchanting aria that leaves the audience in a trance. But to paraphrase Ian Holloway, it is very good to have a great pianist, but not so good if you have no one to put the piano on stage. That’s what these other 10 guys do. Lift weights so Messi can dazzle.

But those who make these tough yards should be celebrated as equals. While Messi took his tally to an astounding eight goals in this tournament against Croatia, his team-mates put up equally impressive numbers in defence. Croatia could have played until the start of the 2026 World Cup and not have recorded such organization and willingness to defend their own penalty area that the Argentine back-guard put them in.

This defense is a thing of beauty led by Cristian Romero. It’s an absolute professional how to limit the opposition to low probability chances by defending as a unit. In their six World Cup matches, Argentina have only allowed a goals expected rate of 2.33, which equates to 0.38 goals expected per 90 minutes. Opposition teams hit a brick wall in Argentina, bounce right on it and then get hit by Messi’s music. It’s a World Cup winning symphony for, well, Lewis Jones

Majestic Modric bows to deserved approval Photo: Croatia’s Luka Modric during the 3-0 loss against Argentina

It used to not be. The biggest stars were in tears as they walked away emotionally from what could be their last World Cup. But not Luka Modric. Croatia is a symbol of balance and grace.

The 37-year-old calmly took his place on the Croatian bench in the 81st minute, aware that his World Cup adventure was coming to an agonizing end. Maybe forever. Calmness was a symptom of the way he played football. With respect and elegance. Croatia was simply dissolved by a higher power and he was powerless to prevent it.

In this tournament, the Real Madrid playmaker continued to play the talisman he always did for his country. Maybe he didn’t score a goal. Didn’t even score an assist. But he’s the guy to make anything and everything – the leader of the underdog Croatian mission. Modric grilled the Argentines, dominating the phases of possession, but the cast around him couldn’t reach the level they often can.

“He’s one of those players you’re happy to pay to watch,” said Sky Sports’ Roy Keane on ITV’s live coverage.

When he was substituted, he received a standing ovation from both sets of fans. Right about that.

This wasn’t his or Croatia’s finest hour, and if this is the last time we’ll see Modric on the international stage, it feels like a cruel and disappointing end. However, his legacy will live on gloriously and Croatia will have to go through a play-off for third place, which is unseemly. This team ran out of steam, reaching their final stretch against an elegant Argentina led by Lionel Messi, but what a race, what a player. A true master of his craft. Laura Hunter

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