Lionel Messi reveals moment that pushed Argentina to the World Cup final

The Argentina captain will make his second World Cup final appearance this weekend after the 3-0 semi-final over Croatia.

Lionel Messi believes Argentina’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener made the squad stronger on route to reaching the final.

The South American champions qualified for their sixth World Cup final on Tuesday by dismantling Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez scored two of the three goals. Messi netted the other by tucking away a first-half penalty. He later rolled back the years with a sublime assist, which saw him beat Josko Gvardiol twice before setting up Alvarez for his second goal with a simple finish.

The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Argentina, who lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in their first Group C game of the World Cup three weeks earlier.

“I’d say the first game was a hard blow for all of us because we had been unbeaten in 36 matches. To start it like that was a hard blow,” Messi told reporters at a post-match press conference in Lusail.

“We didn’t think we’d lose. It was an acid test, but we’ve shown how strong we are. It was very difficult what we did because every match has been a final and this brings a mental load. We were aware if we didn’t win then everything would be more complicated.

“We’ve played five finals and, luckily enough, been able to win them. I hope this will be the same for the final. Internally we were confident we’d make it as we know what we are capable of. Yes, we lost the first match because of fine details, but that helped us to be stronger and to grow in the tournament and internally as a squad.”

‘Final will be my last World Cup game’

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also reiterated that this World Cup will likely be his last one.

“I am proud to be able to finish my World Cup journey playing this final,” Messi added. “What I’m experiencing is exciting. Sunday will be my last game in the World Cup.

“It will be many years before the next one [2026] and I don’t think I’ll be able to make it, so I hope I can finish in the best way.”

Messi scored his 11th World Cup goal on Tuesday, which moved him past Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s record scorer in the tournament.

The 35-year-old will hope to cap things off by winning the World Cup final against either France or Morocco at the second attempt, having lost 1-0 to Germany in the 2014 final in Brazil.