Argentina vs Croatia, player ratings: Messi and Alvarez dazzle but Modric barely flickers
Lionel Messi will have the chance to crown his glittering career with a World Cup winners' medal after opening the scoring in a magical display that helped Argentina comprehensively beat Croatia and reach Sunday's final.
The 35-year-old is one of the greatest to ever grace the field and will get his shot at glory against France or Morocco back at Lusail Stadium in what looks set to be his last appearance on the world stage.
Messi scored from the spot before Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez ended a driven solo run with a cool finish, then benefitted from a brilliant assist by the skipper in a 3-0 semi-final win against Croatia.
Argentina Emiliano Martínez 6The easiest of nights for Martinez, who had been previously so crucial in his penalty saving heroics against the Netherlands.
Nahuel Molina 6One marauding early run forward but his through ball for Tagliafico was overhit. Dealt competently with all threats.
Cristian Romero 7Silly booking in the second half, but has been the best defender of Argentina's tournament. Tottenhem defender was never under pressure.
Nicolas Otamendi 7The biggest wind-up merchant during that night against the Netherlands will be happy with starting the move that led to Argentina's second goal.
Nicolas Tagliafico 6Barely broke sweat in dealing with Palasic and was easily a match for Vlasic in the second half too. Confident and at ease.
Rodrigo De Paul 6Several searching through balls from the left side in the first half and a decent enough pot-shot. A so-so performance overall, however.
Enzo Fernández 6Had a decent chance in the second half but could not connect with the ball under pressure. An otherwise straight forward night.
Leandro Paredes 6Argentina's enforcer did little wrong, playing in a midfield role so deep he was sometimes filling in as an extra centre-back.
Alexis Mac Allister 8The Brighton man was itching to get on the scoresheet. Volleyed wide in second half and a thumping header saved on 43 minutes.
Lionel Messi 8At his magical best for Argentina's third goal. Smashed home his penalty with venom. Wins matches while being so economical in his running.
Julian Álvarez 9Fleet-footed to get on to a lofted through ball to win the penalty. His pace constantly alarmed the Croatians. Deserved his brace.
SubstitutesLisandro Martinez (on for Parades, 61) Had very little to do as Croatia barely put up a fight in the second half.
Palacios (on for De Paul, 74)Dybala (on for Alvarez, 75)
Croatia Dominik Livakovic 7Two excellent saves, which were all the more admirable after he took a knee in the privates when bringing down Alvarez for the pen.
Josip Juranovic 5Has to take the lion's share of the blame for failing to muscle in as Alvarez went scampering through for the second.
Dejan Lovren 5The veteran former Liverpool defender has always backed himself on the biggest stage, but he was burned for pace by Alvarez.
Josko Gvardiol 5Croatia's masked man disrupted several early forays from Argentina, but was at fault in failing to get close to Messi at least twice.
Borna Sosa 5Energetic performance from the Stuttgart wing back but left falling backwards on his posterior during a desperate intervention for the Alvarez goal.
Luka Modric 5Probably his last big night in international football, and it was an underwhelming one. Cut an irritated figure at Argentina gamesmanship.
Marcelo Brozovic 4Not his finest display. A couple of clumsy fouls and looked particularly lightweight in giving the ball away during a rare sure forward after 30 minutes
Mateo Kovacic 5He is the second coolest head in the Croatia team behind Modric, but neither got the chance to get a foot on the ball.
Mario Pasalic 4Deservedly hauled off at half time after an anonymous display. The former Chelsea man was outmuscled and outmaneuvered.
Andrej Kramaric 5The 1899 Hoffenheim forward barely touched the ball for 70 minutes. Led the line for Croatia, but had no service.
Ivan Perisic 5Tried and failed miserably to chip Martinez. Was often the team's most advanced player, but largely a peripheral figure.
SubstitutesNikola Vlasic (on for Palasic, 46) 6 An improvement on Palasic. Looked lively in the middle and got Croatia moving with decent passes on three occasions.
Petkovic (on for Brozovic, 50) 6 Immediate threat, exchanging a neat one-two, but could not find a decent finish to raise Croatia hopes.
Orsic (on for Sosa, 45) 6 Added energy in the final third but was easily dispossessed on three occasions.
Livaja (on for Kramaric, 72)Majer (on for Modric, 81)