Argentina is again in the final of a World Cup after that of 2014 lost against Germany. The Argentinians easily defeated the Croats 3-0 in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, in particular thanks to a double from Alvarez. A great performance that made the Argentine press smile.
“Argentina in the final of the World Cup! With a brilliant Messi they shone and are waiting for their rival for Sunday”, headlined the newspaper La Nacion in its online version. La Nacion underlined “the masterful game” deployed by its captain, author of the first goal from the penalty spot (34th) and decisive on the third goal scored by Julian Alvarez in the second half (69th).
“Historical match”
“Argentina are finalists thanks to the best of Messi and a lethal Julian Alvarez”, headlined Clarin in its online version, noting that the duo is “the perfect chemistry” for Lionel Scaloni’s team. According to Clarin, Messi’s ‘magic’ number before his back pass for Alvarez is ‘the greatest assist in the history of any World Cup’.
For the sports daily Olé, this triumph is “a historic match for the national team”, with “an extraordinary performance from Leo and also from Alvarez”. “We should name each of those who, on a Qatari night, an Argentinian afternoon, showed what this team is made of. A 3-0 victory that will remain sealed in every cry, in every heart, in every “abrazo” (hug), in every cry”, summed up Olé.
The newspaper also recalled that with this penalty scored, Messi, with five goals, joins the Frenchman Kylian Mbappé at the top of the ranking of top scorers in Qatar. And that Messi also became the most prolific Argentine striker in the history of the world tournament, surpassing former striker Gabriel Batistuta with eleven goals.