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Lionel Messi brought Argentina within kicking distance of World Cup glory, but it was the next generation that stole the show.
Julian Alvarez scored twice and also set up Messi’s penalty-kick goal in Argentina’s commanding 3-0 win over Croatia to advance to the final. They will face the winner Wednesday’s other semifinal between France and Morocco.
“We deserved this, we played a great match today,” Alvarez said on the Fox broadcast after the game. “We’re at the final. We want it. … We are very happy with what we achieved, and we want more.”
In the 32nd minute, the 22-year-old Alvarez made a darting run between Croatian center backs Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol, and latched onto a defense-splitting pass over the top from 21-year-old midfielder Enzo Fernandez. As he attempted to chip it over Croatia’s Dominik Livakovic, the goalie fouled Alvarez and Argentina was awarded a penalty. Lionel Messi promptly converted for a 1-0 lead.
