Topics: Argentina, Croatia, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez
The South American giants have secured another World Cup final berth.

Lionel Messi has inspired Argentina to the World Cup final for the second time in three attempt. The 35-year-old superstar delivered another masterful performance to inspire the Albiceleste to a 3-0 win over Croatia, as they extended their unbeaten run in the World Cup semi-final to five in the process.

As expected, the genius of Messi stood out as his side grabbed the opportunity to win the title that has eluded them since 1986. However, the Paris Saint-Germain talisman had to share the spotlight with another budding star in Julian Alvarez this time around.

Following a promising start by the Croatians, the 22-year-old striker gave Scaloni's side the chance to assume the driver's seat by winning a penalty in the 32nd minute. Messi subsequently stood up to convert the kick to outrightly become Argentina's all-time top goalscorer at the World Cup.

Moments before half-time, Alvarez found himself doubling Argentina's lead with a brilliant solo-goal and ended up capping the night with a double to become the second youngest player to score twice in a World Cup semi-final or final after Pelé in 1958 (17y 249d). The Manchester City starlet subsequently took his goal tally at Qatar 2022 to four, becoming only the second Argentina player to score four goals at a single edition of the World Cup while aged 22 or under after Gonzalo Higuaín in 2010 (4 goals).

For the Albiceleste, the night's feat at the expense of Croatia in Lusali meant that they have reached the World Cup final for the sixth time. They have done so in two of the last three editions of the competition (also in 2014), with Germany being the only nation have reached more finals in the competition than the South Americans.