Lionel Messi put on a sensational display as he helped Argentina secure a spot in the World Cup final with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday.
Messi opened the scoring with a powerfully hit penalty on 34 minutes -- becoming Argentina's all-time leading goal scorer at World Cup finals -- and shortly after Alvarez completed a direct solo run through the heart of the Croatia defence before tapping home to double Argentina's lead before half-time.
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Alvarez added the side's third, thanks in part to a signature run from Messi who used his change of speed to guide past Josko Gvardiol before sliding the ball back to Alvarez for an easy finish.