FIFA World Cup 2022: Major records shattered during Argentina vs Croatia semifinal

Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez yet again emerged as star-striking duo for Argentina in first semifinal at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 between Argentina and Croatia. Thirty-five-year-old Messi scored his fifth goal of ongoing tournament in 35th minute of match to hand Argentina ir first goal of night. Five minutes later, 22-year-old Julian Alvarez n found back of net to double le before Messi’s incredible assist was converter by youngster in 69th minute. 

With ir performance on night, Argentine duo shattered a . of FIFA World Cup records. While Alvarez matched Brazilian legend Pele in a major record book, seven-time Balon d’Or winner surpassed legends like Diego Marona and Gabriel Batistuta in World Cup record books for Argentina. Here’s a look at prominent records that were broken during Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2022 semifinal.

Records broken by Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi during Argentina vs Croatia

Julian Alvarez becomes youngest player to score twice in a FIFA World Cup semifinal since legendary Pele in 1958. While Pele was 17 years old during 1958 World Cup, Argentina’s Carlos Peucelle achieved record at 21 in 1930. Here’s a look at records broken by Messi during match.

With a goal and an assist in match, Messi w stands next to Pele in all-time list of players to register most goals and assists in World Cup history. While Pele’s tally sits at 20 (12 goals +8 assists), Messi’s tally w stands at 19 (11 goals + 8 assists). By registering his 11th overall goal in tournament, star player also became highest goal scorer at World Cup for Argentina. 

Gabriel Batistuta previously held major record with 10 goals against his name. Meanwhile, Messi’s assist was his third in ongoing tournament and his ninth overall, and it me his cross Marona’s tally of eight assists. Messi is w highest assist provider in tournament for his country. At same time, Messi surpassed Germany’s Lothar Matthaus by making his 25th overall appearance at WC and becoming player with most appearances in competition's history.