Qatar 2022: Messi makes double history as Argentina qualify for final following scintillating win over Croatia
Argentina are through to the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup following a massive 3-0 victory over last edition finalists Croatia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in the first semi-final fixture on Tuesday, in a night that was a historic one for Lionel Messi.
Messi becomes the player with the most appearances at the FIFA World Cup competition, recording his 25th cap for Argentina in the win. He also became Argentina’s highest goal scorer in the final of the World Cup.
Croatia looked like the better side in the opening 30 minutes of the encounter but Messi put Argentina upfront in the 34th minute from a spotkick following a foul by goalkeeper Dominik Livaković on Julian Alvarez.
With the goal, Messi became the South America nation’s top-scorer in the finals of the FIFA World Cup with 11 goals, bettering the record of Gabriel Batistuta, who had 10 goals.
Barely five minutes later, Alvarez doubled the lead for Argentina from a beautiful play from the centre of the pitch, as they went into halftime with a 2-nil advantage
The Manchester City forward got his brace of the night in the 69th minute after an assist from Messi, who was unable to be stopped by Croatian several defenders, to seal the victory for Argentina and send La Albiceleste into the final for the second time in eight years.
Argentina will face the winner of tomorrow’s semi-final game between France and Morocco for a place in the final of the World Cup on Sunday, in a tournament that has thus far been eventful.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 3
UBEC begins distribution of two million packs of sanitary towels to improve school attendance
Ms Garba said the initiative was designed to address barriers to girls’ education.
States
Police nab six armed robbers, recover weapons in Oyo
The police boss reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminals.
Heading 2
FBI seizes about $17 billion, arrests hundreds in raid on Ghana Yahoo Boys enclave
The operation was described by Mr Patel on social media as part of the agency’s efforts to combat fraud.
States
Gombe: Pantami threatens legal action over omission from INEC’s governorship list
His lawyers described the omission of Mr Pantami’s name from the governorship candidates’ list as unlawful.
Heading 5
French supermarkets hit by cyberattack, causing freezers to heat up
Reports noted that the full extent of the cyberattack remained unclear.
World
McKinsey demotes consultant over LinkedIn comments
The company distanced itself from Mr Bradley’s remarks.
