World Cup 2022: Croatia star embarrassed by Messi finally opens up

• Croatia star Josko Gvardiol has opened up for the first time about his encounter with Messi
• Messi turned the player inside out on Tuesday with some impressive dribbles to assist Julian Alvarez in the semi final
• Gvardiol says he felt he did his best to keep the Argentine maestro in check in the semis despite Argentina’s 3-0 victory

Josko Gvardiol has come out with a surprising statement, days after trending worldwide for all the wrong reasons during the World Cup semi-final between Croatia and Argentina.

Argentina emerged 3-0 victors on the night, with Manchester City star Julian Alvarez coming up with a brace, while Messi scored from the penalty spot.

Messi in particular proved to be unplayable on Tuesday, and no one experienced this more than Josko Gvardiol on the day.

For Argentina’s third goal, Messi completely embarrassed the Chelsea target with an incredible run down he flank before beating him with a clever fake step before finding Alvarez with a delightful cutback.

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Gvardiol, who plays for RB Leipzig, was asked about his experience facing Messi and his response was quite interesting.

“It was a nice experience even though I played against him in the club last season. He is a completely different type of player in the club and in the national team.” He said, per Express.co.uk.

“I am glad that I played against him even though we lost. But today and tomorrow I will be able to tell the children that I guarded Messi for 90 minutes. I guess we will beat him next time.”

Man City interested in Gvardiol

Despite being overpowered by Messi, Gvardiol’s performances in Qatar have earned him interest from top guns in Europe.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester City are willing to outbid rivals to acquire the Croat’s services, while Chelsea are also among the interested parties.

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The Citizens are reportedly willing to increase their offer for the defender to £110 million.

Mbappe told he will never be as good as Messi

Sports Brief also reported on an interesting column by Graeme Souness claiming Kylian Mbappe will never be on the same level as Lionel Messi.

Mbappe has been in typical scintillating form at the Qatar World Cup, with his five strikes so far helping his side to a second successive final in the global spectacle.

But, according to Souness, Mbappe was heavily reliant on one trait for his brilliance –pace.