The Argentina and Croatia semi-final was a staunch reminder to every football fan about what football really is. What the Argentine team did to Croatia was a dismantling, one that put Argentina as, by far, the favorites for this World Cup.
Julian Alvarez, who earned the penalty before scoring a brace, was outstanding against the Modric-led team, as were Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, and Nahuel Molina.
Messi looked like he had enough of the GOAT debate once and for all, and he looked to settle the matter right there. It’s fair to say his objective looked like it was completed after laying Josko Gvardiol – one of the World Cup’s star players this winter – for dead before setting up Alvarez.
They talk about “levels,” and the young center back learned what they mean when he faced Leo.
Gvardiol established himself as the top young left-sided defender in the world throughout the group stages and also against Japan in the round of 16. He was outstanding against Brazil in the quarterfinals; Croatia’s president, Zoran Milanovic, called him “a miracle.”
Then came the turning point, which Gvardiol might never forget. When Gvardiol attempted to take the ball off of Messi while he was near the touchline, he did so with the bravery of a Balkan soldier.
However, Messi dropped a shoulder, swept the ball away, and dashed down the line – with a speed that was unprecedented.
Gvardiol, despite only being 20, could not keep up with the ghost of Lionel Messi. All he could think about was where his shadow had disappeared, and by the time he was able to get his bearings, Messi had already sent the ball to Alvarez for the goal.
Chasing shadows.
One fan, who like everyone else started recording as soon as Messi got the ball, caught this incredible footage of the destruction.
Another group of people were saying how despite the fact that he was made to look so easy to beat, he did absolutely nothing wrong and is still one of the best defenders out there.
If you’re a coach, you tell Gvardiol that he did very well. Stood his ground, didn’t put his foot in, forced him outside, made sure not to foul. Everything you’re taught to do.
Whatever the outcome of the World Cup may be, it is abundantly clear that Messi has, once again, made an incredibly strong case for being called the undisputed greatest player of all time.
