For Lionel Messi, glory now beckons. The ultimate glory, too, with the Argentina star set for a second shot at the World Cup trophy following the heartache of 2014.
Almost everyone in the Lusail Stadium in Qatar crooned over his passing, his shooting and his dribbling – with all three of his traits very much on display. Now, he’ll be out to avenge the demons of eight years ago…
Argentina had gone into their match with Croatia as strong favourites to make the final, despite Zlatko Dalic’s side overcoming Brazil in the last round.
Yet there was to be no repeat of that shock result, with a magical Messi mesmerising the Lusail Stadium throughout Tuesday night’s semi-final tie.
During the early stages of the contest, he struggled. He appeared to be suffering with a hamstring injury, one he massaged as he looked to battle on.
And battle on he did.
Messi was on the fringes of the action but brought fans inside the stadium to their feet with some delicate touches and pinpoint passes. Once he got going, there was to be no stopping him.(express.co.uk)
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