World Cup 2022: Modric Wishes Messi’s Argentina Well As Croatia Exit

• Modric wishes Argentina well after the South Americans eliminated them from the World Cup
• Lionel Messi inspired the Albiceleste to a 3-0 win at the Lusail Stadium to qualify for the finals
• Unhappy about some of the refereeing decisions he admitted they were second-best

Luka Modric has put his national rivalry aside and disappointment to wish Lionel Messi well in the upcoming World Cup final.

Messi's Argentina dumped Modric's Croatia on December 13th to qualify for their second final in 8 years.

Messi, in his usual superior form, opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Julian Alvarez had been hacked down in the penalty area.

Alvarez then added the second goal before half-time before rounding off the scoring in the second half, benefitting from a splendid Messi assist.

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Dubious penalty decision

Modric was graceful in defeat but admitted that some of the referee's calls went against them. Centre referee Daniele Orsato denied Croatia a corner kick on the other end and a few moments later gave Argentina a penalty that has divided opinion among fans.

"It wasn’t to be, but hey, we have to recover and try to win the match for third place. We're sad, we wanted to be in another final. We have to congratulate Argentina," said the 37-year-old as quoted by Sport ES.

The Real Madrid midfielder had before the start of the World Cup backed Messi to go all the way and lift the trophy in Qatar. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is now 90 minutes away from winning the only trophy missing from his collection.

They play the winner of France vs Morocco clash on Sunday. Croatia will meanwhile wait for the loser of that game to battle out for the third place.

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Messi's assist against Croatia

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Argentina captain Lionel Messi produced an incredible assist in his side's 3-0 defeat over Croatia on Tuesday evening.

The 35-year-old opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a powerful finish from the spot. Julian Alvarez made it 2-0 for La Albiceleste after he completed a direct solo run through the heart of the Croatia defence before tapping home to double Argentina's lead.

With 21 minutes remaining, the Manchester City forward netted his second goal on the night to make it 3-0 for the South American giants.