Watch: Messi's epic assist to help Alvarez score Argentina's winning goal vs Croatia

Lionel Messi’s on-field brilliance was yet again on display during Argentina’s 3-0 victory against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semifinal. seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored opening goal of match through a penalty kick in 34th minute, after Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic’s error clattered Julian Alvarez in area. Messi n converted penalty and scored his fifth goal in ongoing edition of qurennial showpiece event.

22-year-old Alvarez n found back of net in 39th minute by charging Croatian defense through center and benefitting from deflections to hit goal from close range. While Argentina led game by 2-0 at half-time, Lusail Stium witnessed ar masterclass by Messi in 69th minute. 35-year-old kept Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol away from ball during a clash on right side, before slotting ball towards Alvarez, who slotted ar goal from close range.

Watch: Lionel Messi's unbelievable assist to Julian Alvarez in WC semifinal

Internet reacts to Lionel Messi's assist in Argentina vs Croatia

Messi’s resilient show against Gavrdiol became a major talking point on social media, as it got entire football fanbase talking about it. “Lionel Messi's this assist will be remembered as Greatest World Cup Assist ever,” a Twitter user said. At same time, ar user wrote, “Messi is clear in literally everything- He can score dribbling past, He can score bangers, He can assist out of where, He can play make, He has magical skills, But never claimed that he's GOAT. Messi is truly greatest of all time.

Lionel Messi surpasses Argentine legends in FIFA World Cup record books

Messi broke several big records at FIFA World Cup in semifinal against Croatia. He surpassed Gabriel Batistuta’s tally of 10 World Cup goals to become highest goal scorer for Argentina in marquee event by registering his 11th overall goal. His assist to Alvarez was his ninth overall assist in tournament, which me him record World Cup assist provider for Argentina, making him go past Diego Marona’s tally of eight goal assists.