Semi-final wrap-up - Messi stars as Argentina storm into World Cup final

Catch up on all the semi-final action from Day 20: Argentina v Croatia – watch replays, see statistics, squad info and more on SBS Sport.

Lionel Messi celebrates a goal with his Argentina teammates

Match 61

Argentina v Croatia

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup final after defeating Croatia 3-0 in Lusail.

Lionel Messi shrugged off early concerns of a hamstring injury to open the scoring 10 minutes before half-time, after Dominik Livakovic had fouled Julian Alvarez inside the box.

Livakovic’s error seemed to undo all the hard work made by the midfield trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, and, five minutes later, the margin was two.

Croatia’s inability to clear their lines aided a storming run from Alvarez, who picked up the ball at the halfway line before firing past Livakovic.

Zlatko Dalic made a trio of substitutions in the hope of inspiring a second-half Vatreni comeback, but Messi quickly ensured it made little difference, turning Josko Gvardiol with ease before teeing up Alvarez.

La Albiceleste will either face France or Morocco in the final.