Qatar 2022: Croatia’s Gvardiol Makes Sincere Admission After Messi Ordeal

• Josko Gvardiol was handed a brutal reality check by Lionel Messi
• Prior to facing Messi's Argentina in the semifinals, Gvardiol was rated as the best defender in the World Cup
• The 20-year-old defender will be looking forward to helping Croatia secure a bronze medal against Morocco

Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol has broken his silence after his semifinal encounter with Lionel Messi.

Touted as one of the outstanding defenders of the 2022 World Cup, Gvardiol's impressive campaign at the Mundial was put to test when Croatia and Argentina crossed paths for a spot in the finals.

The 20-year-old defender, who has appeared on the radar of Chelsea, was rendered powerless by the mesmeric dribbling skillset of Leo Messi, who literally took Gvardiol to the cleaners before providing an assist in Argentina's comprehensive win over Croatia, per Givemesport.

Sharing his experience after his duel with the Argentine maestro, admitted he could have done better and promised to improve to address his shortcomings.

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“There is no player who does not make mistakes, especially in defence. Mistakes are an intrinsic part of the sport and there are bound to be more. I will try to make them as few as possible,” he said as quoted by All Football.

He also compared facing Messi at the national team stage and the club level.

“I have played against Messi before, but he is a completely different player when he plays with the national team.”

Gvardiol will have a chance to make amends for his 'mistakes' against Messi's Argentina in the third-placed match against Morocco on Saturday, December 17 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

Messi destroys Gvardiol

Argentina captain Lionel Messi produced an incredible assist in his side's 3-0 defeat of Croatia on Tuesday evening.

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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.

Fans rate Messi as GOAT

Sports Brief reported that Lionel Messi left football fans gushing over his timelessness after the Argentina captain gave credence to why he should be considered the greatest footballer ever to have graced the sport.

Messi produced his characteristic mercurial magic in Argentina's one-sided semi-final victory against Croatia, scoring and providing an assist.

In one of Argentina's semi-final highlight reels, the 35-year-old literally sent Croatia defender Gvardiol to the cleaners before serving Julian Alvarez on a plate, to tuck home the third and final goal for the South Americans.