Lionel Messi is back in the World Cup final with Argentina on his mission to win football’s biggest prize for the first time.
And, at 35, he could hardly be playing any better.
Messi converted a penalty and had a hand in the other two goals by Julián Álvarez, leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia that set up a meeting with either France or Morocco at 1am on Monday (AEDT).
AS IT HAPPENED: FIFA World Cup first semi-final
READ MORE: ‘Blistering’ McKeon leg snares gold, world record
READ MORE: Coach confronts jarring question amid Warner rut
READ MORE: Call made on Hazlewood’s Gabba replacement
It will be Messi’s second World Cup final – Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 – and likely, his final chance.
He received the man of the match award after another fantastic showing.
“I don’t know if it’s my best World Cup or not,” he said afterwards.
“I’ve been enjoying this a lot for a long time. We were confident that this group was going to pull it off.
“We know what we are and we ask the people to believe in us.”
Improbably, Messi has taken his legacy to another level in this World Cup, with greats of the game and football pundits in awe of his wizardry as he surgically cut through the Croatia defence.
One of his assists went viral after he toyed with a defender in a one on one battle that started near the halfway line and ended with a cut back from the by-line and a teammate’s simple finish.
It could yet be the perfect way to go out for a player widely regarded as one of the game’s best players, if not the best.
Messi is thrilling his legion of fans along the way, with his swivel and driving run to set up the third goal for Álvarez in the 69th minute epitomising his confidence and swagger.
He is embracing the responsibility of leading Argentina to its third World Cup title, scoring in five of his six games in Qatar.
“We have been through tough situations, other very good ones,” he said.
“Today, we are living something spectacular.
“I’m enjoying it with all of these people and all the Argentines that are in our country. I imagine it has to be crazy.”
Croatia failed in its bid to reach a second straight World Cup final after conceding two goals in a five-minute span from the 34th, just when the team was looking comfortable at Lusail Stadium.
There was a moment midway through the 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? No such luck for Croatia.
Messi was soon toying with his opponents in a way only he can and put Argentina ahead by lifting his penalty into the top corner after Álvarez was taken out by Dominik Livakovic after clipping the ball past Croatia’s goalkeeper.
Álvarez poked home his first goal at the end of a surging run from halfway, starting with Messi’s short pass. He put in the third following more outrageous skill from his teammate near the right corner that left Josko Gvardiol – one of the best defenders at the World Cup – grasping at thin air.
It was one game too far for Croatia, which had beaten Japan and Brazil on penalties in the knockout stage, and star midfielder Luka Modric, who – at 37 – has likely played his final World Cup match.
Summing up a frustrating game for the little midfield magician, he was substituted in the 81st minute and had a bright red nose after the ball slammed in his face moments earlier.
Argentina maintained its record of never having lost in the World Cup semifinals and has reached the final for the sixth time.
Those dark days after losing to Saudi Arabia in its opening group match seem so long ago now for Argentina, which will be hard to stop in the final with Messi playing this well.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!