is like a god descending to earth. Messi made a pass and shot in the semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup held on the 13th, leading Argentina to defeat Croatia 3-0, and once again entered the World Cup finals since 2014.
On December 13, Argentine player Messi (left) fought against Croatian player Guvadior in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Lan Hongguang
Argentina legend Maradona 's long-distance run in the 1986 World Cup was called "Century Goal", while Messi completed a "st Century Assistance " that day. Messi showed his magical dribbling skills in the second half. Under the close pressing of the defensive player, he dribbled the ball from the midfield along the right sideline to the opponent's penalty area, and made a wonderful pass from Alvarez to score a goal that locked the victory for Argentina.
Messi is a three-game success in this game in terms of personal data. He scored a penalty in the first half, scored his 11th goal in the World Cup, becoming the player with the most goals in the World Cup; this is also his 25th World Cup game, tied with German legendary star Matteus to become the player with the most participation in the World Cup; Messi has now scored 5 goals and sent 3 assists, temporarily striking more assists than the French striker Mbappe , which also scored 5 goals. This is the most goals he has scored in the World Cup five times.
On December 13, Argentine player Alvarez (left) scored a goal in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Zijian
22-year-old Alvarez scored two goals on the same day and scored 4 goals in this game. Before receiving Messi's assist, he not only created a penalty kick to break the deadlock, but also scored a goal by crossing the barrier alone.
This game is the fifth time Argentina has made its debut in the semi-finals of the World Cup, winning all five times.
Both sides played cautiously in the first 20 minutes of the game, and neither of them was able to create a threatening shot. In the 32nd minute, Enzo Fernandez midfielder passed over the top. Alvarez inserted into the penalty area at high speed and shot with a kick. Although he failed, due to an opponent's foul, the referee decisively awarded a penalty kick, and Messi scored a penalty.
On December 13, Argentine player Messi (Part 2) celebrated after taking the penalty kick in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xiao Yijiu
Argentina launched a counterattack in the 39th minute. Alvarez dribbled the ball from his side and broke into the opponent's penalty area. Although the Croatian player blocked his dribbling in the penalty area, the ball bounced back to his feet, and Alvarez immediately expanded the score to 2:0. In the first half of injury time, Croatia had the chance to get a goal back. Yulanovic's cross made hit the defensive player and bounced towards the goal. Argentina goalkeeper Martinez flew to resolve the danger.
In the second half, Argentina team was based on defense and the scene was calm. Until Messi staged a personal dribbling show in the 69th minute, dribbling the ball along the right sideline and breaking into the penalty area, assisting Alvarez to easily push and score.
Argentina will face the winner between France and Morocco in the final on the 18th.
Source: Xinhua Viewpoint
