Twitter reacts as Argentina reach World Cup final
![Argentina are into the final Argentina are into the final](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4770,h_2683,x_0,y_354/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/90min_en_international_web/01gm6m9jkhbtmetxnygc.jpg)
Argentina have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup final thanks to a 3-0 win over Croatia.
A brace from Julian Alvarez and a penalty from Lionel Messi were enough for Argentina as they cruised into the final at Croatia's exepense.
Following a dire opening 30 minutes, the game finally sparked into life by Dominik Livakovic giving away a penalty kick. The goalkeeper rushed off his line to close down Julian Alvarez - who'd ran through on goal - but ended up clattering the Man City striker.
Up stepped Messi.
And of course he scored it.
Lionel Andrés Messi. 11 total goals at World Cup in his entire career. ✨🇦🇷 #Qatar2022
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 13, 2022
Messi becomes Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/wPmDez4gf6
13 - Since the 1966 edition, no player has scored or assisted in more different World Cup matches than Lionel Messi (13 – level with Ronaldo). Mesmerising. pic.twitter.com/RQ84czXWsB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 13, 2022
What a penalty 🐐
— tehTrunk (@tehTrunk) December 13, 2022
Eight minutes later, it was 2-0.
This time the goal would come from Alvarez who broke brilliantly through the heart of the Croatia defence, latching onto to two separate failed clearances before flicking past Livakovic.
Man City have a serious player on their hands.
Julian Alvarez, sensational! ✨
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022
2-0 Argentina.
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) December 13, 2022
ALVAREZ DOUBLES THE LEAD!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/C2g7BlTYDN
Reminder that Julian Alvarez doesn’t get into Man City’s starting XI
— Football Ramble (@FootballRamble) December 13, 2022
Argentina dominated up until the half-time whistle and came within a whisker of taking a 3-0 lead into the interval.
The third was so nearly scored by Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who saw a near post header miraculously saved a point blank range by Livakovic.
If Livakovic isn’t different it’s 3-0 👀
— Michael T Nixon, V🅿️ (Chillmonger) (@VPNiX0N) December 13, 2022
Argentina were able to hold Croatia at arm's length with relative ease in the second half, and deservedly bagged a third goal in the 70th minute thanks to their magic man Messi once again.
The number 10 turned Josko Gvardiol inside out about 30 times on the right flank before brilliantly finding Alvarez, who subsequently tapped home.
Fantastic play all round.
3-0 Argentina, that was absolutely magnificent from Messi, incredible feet dancing his way around Joško Gvardiol and the final dip of his shoulder to come back in and play that into Álvarez is just outstanding. That’s just a sensational goal, game very much set and match.
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) December 13, 2022
Lol Messi
— Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) December 13, 2022
Out of this world. The best ever. #Messi𓃵
— KDH (@KDH__8) December 13, 2022
And that was how it would end. Argentina held firm and comfortably booked their place in the World Cup final.
We have our first finalists! ☑️
— 90min (@90min_Football) December 13, 2022
Argentina and Lionel Messi breeze past Croatia and book their place in the final of the #FIFAWorldCup ! 🇦🇷 🌟 pic.twitter.com/HZl6dOjwdY