World Cup 2022: Messi reveals key Croatia weakness Argentine exploited

• Lionel Messi came up with another masterful performance on December 13 against Croatia
• The Argentine is now one win away from cementing his legacy as the greatest of all time
• He scored from the penalty spot and was heavily involved in his nation’s other two goals

Lionel Messi pinpointed one key area Argentina exploited to get the better of Croatia, in their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, December 13.

Argentina are now in their sixth World Cup final and have the chance to make amends for the heartbreak of eight years ago in 2014.

Goals from Messi and a brace from Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez were enough to set up a final showdown with either France or Morocco.

After the game, Messi - who was awarded the man of the match for the fourth time in the tournament - claimed his team knew Croatia could be hurt on the counter.

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"This is a very wise squad. We know what to do in every second of the game. We knew the Croatians would have the ball possession, but we knew this could be our strength,” the Paris Saint-Germain star said as quoted by The Mirror.

The Argentine captain explained Croatia could be disordered when they lost the ball, and spaces would be left open for a counter-attack.

Argentina one win from glory

Credit needs to go to Lionel Scaloni’s side, who have done brilliantly to pick themselves up from the opening day defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Since then, Messi and his wads have seen off Mexico, Poland, Australia, the Netherlands and the 2018 finalists, the Vatreni.

La Albiceleste have not won the World Cup since 1986, and the 2022 edition offers Messi his last chance to claim the trophy.

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Modric wishes Messi well

Sports Brief also reported on how Croatia stalwart Luka Modric sent well wishes to Messi and Argentina, despite the defeat on Tuesday.

Modric was graceful in defeat but admitted that some of the referee calls went against them. Centre referee Daniele Orsato denied the Vatreni 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."