Lionel Messi, Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to reach FIFA World Cup 2022 final

Lionel Messi is back in World Cup final with Argentina on his mission to win soccer’s biggest prize for first time.

And, at 35, he could hardly be playing any better.

Messi converted a penalty and h a hand in or two goals by Julián Álvarez, leing Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday that set up a meeting with eir France or Morocco in Sunday’s title match.

It will be Messi’s second World Cup final — Argentina lost or one to Germany in 2014 — in what might be his last appearance at tournament.

It could yet be perfect way to go out for a player widely regarded as one of game’s best players, if t best.

Messi is thrilling his legion of fans along way, with his swivel and driving run to set up third goal for Álvarez in 69th minute epitomizing his confidence and swagger. He is embracing responsibility of leing Argentina to its third World Cup title, scoring in five of his six games in Qatar.

He even h a penalty saved in game in which he didn’t score.

Croatia failed in its bid to reach a second straight World Cup final after conceding two goals in a five-minute span from 34th, just when team was looking comfortable at Lusail Stium.

re was a moment midway through first half that must have struck fear into all Argentines, when Messi appeared clutch his left hamstring and rub it.

Was Argentina’s superstar going to have to come off? such luck for Croatia.

Messi was soon toying with his opponents in a way only he can and put Argentina ahe by lifting his penalty into top corner after Álvarez was taken out by Dominik Livakovic after clipping ball past Croatia’s goalkeeper.

Álvarez poked home his first goal at end of a surging run from halfway, starting with Messi's short pass. He put in third following more outrous skill from his teammate.