FIFA World Cup: Messi leads Argentina to World Cup final with 3-0 Croatia win

Dazzling performance from Messi sends Argentina through

Croatia undone by Messi magic

A dazzling performance from Lionel Messi led Argentina to their sixth World Cup final with a 3-0 victory over Croatia at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.

Messi scored one goal and set up the other two as Argentina reached their first World Cup final since 2014. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the 34th minute after Messi was brought down in the box, with Messi doubling the lead from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.

Alvarez added his second goal in the 69th minute to seal the victory and send Argentina through to the final, where they will face either France or Morocco.

Messi was at the heart of everything Argentina did in attack, and his performance was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. He was a constant threat to the Croatia defence, and his ability to create chances for his teammates was simply breathtaking.

Croatia, who had reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive World Cup, were unable to live with Argentina's quality. They had a few chances of their own, but they were never really able to test Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina will now go into the final full of confidence, and they will be hoping to win their third World Cup title, having previously won in 1978 and 1986.