Lionel Messi produced another inspirational performance on Tuesday night to help Argentina reach their sixth World Cup final, playing a part in two goals as the Albiceleste defeated Croatia 3-0 – but he wasn't sure he necessarily deserved the man of the match award...
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner put his country ahead from the spot (it was the third penalty he's scored at Qatar 2022), then set up Julian Alvarez's second of two goals after a trademark dribble.
After being handed the prize – his fourth of the tournament – by former international colleague Sergio Aguero, Messi was asked whether he'd give it to any of his teammates on the night.
And perhaps he was just being diplomatic (who knows?), but the 35-year-old – who put his country in front from the spot – couldn't have been much more effusive in his praise for Alvarez. He said:
"Every player did very well, but if I had to choose I would give this award to Julian: he had an extraordinary game."
Messi is now tied with Kylian Mbappe – who he should meet in the final if France beat Morocco in tonight's other semi – as tournament top scorer on five goals.
Alvarez is only goal behind, though; the Manchester City striker has enjoyed a fine first World Cup, also finding the net against Poland in the group stage and Australia in the last 16.
Victory for Argentina in Sunday's final will see them lift the trophy for the third time; Messi is looking to get his hands on football's ultimate prize for the first time at what is expected to be his last World Cup.
‘Pallister had a cracking voice, but Parker, Keane and Irwin were hating it. All of the other lads were shuffling to the back, so I took the pressure off them’: Lee Sharpe recalls recording Man United's No.1 single
‘He instantly popped into our ratings as one of the best U21 midfielders in Europe. The impressive thing is Slot has made him into more of a no.6' Inside Ryan Gravenberch's transformation at Liverpool
