Argentina 3-0 Croatia: Lionel Messi leads Albiceleste into World Cup final

Lionel Messi is one game away from winning the World Cup after leading Argentina into the final with a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Croatia.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before a Julian Alvarez double sealed the victory, his second goal set up brilliantly by Messi. 

Argentina will meet France or Morocco in Sunday's final in Qatar, with the second final to be played on Wednesday. 

For Croatia, beaten finalists four years ago, it proved one step too far after the quarterfinal win over Brazil on penalties. 

Argentina let Croatia have the possession but struck first in a first half of few real chances until Alvarez won a penalty in the 34th minute. 

The Manchester City striker was fouled by Dominik Livakovic and Messi hammered home from the spot to take his tally in the tournament to five, level with France's Kylian Mbappe. 

Alvarez added the second before the break with a fine solo goal, albeit with a bit of luck, as Argentina broke from a Croatia corner and exploited the space afforded to them. 

Argentina had thrown away a two-goal lead in the last round against the Netherlands but any chance of a repeat disappeared when Messi turned creator for Alvarez. 

Messi twisted and turned to leave Joško Gvardiol, who has had a fine tournament, spinning before teeing up Alvarez to turn home the third. 

On Sunday, Messi will look to lead his country to their first World Cup triumph since 1986 -- and, in turn, win the one trophy that has been missing from his cabinet.