Messi leads Argentina into World Cup final - reaction

1. Use audio icon at top of page to listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary from the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar
2. RESULT: Argentina 3-0 Croatia - Lionel Messi scores first-half penalty to give Argentina lead, Julian Alvarez scores either side of half time
3. Argentina last reached the World Cup final in 2014 where they lost to Germany
4. Get Involved: #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only – texts will be charged at your standard message rate), or text your comments via WhatsApp on 03301231826

Rob Green

Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

If you are a Croatia fan, you stand there, you are beaten and disappointed but you are here.

Get Involved - should Messi have been taken off?

I agree Messi should have gone off after the third goal. Game was won. Save his legs for the final. Argentina need him at his best if they want to win the World Cup

Keith, Salisbury

Nope.

With Argentine singing filling the air, the final corner of the game is pumped straight to the man at the near post to head away.

Nikola Vlasic is found for a shot that is wild, high and wide.

Croatia have a corner.

One last chance to produce something.

'View on Messi would change if he wins the World Cup'

Alan Shearer

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

What a story that would be if Argentina win the World Cup, would it put an end to the debate of Maradona or Messi?

We said if Messi wins the World Cup here, it might have to be him. That's been the difference, that has been the splitting point. Maradona has won the World Cup. If Messi were to win it here, my view would change.

Getty Images

Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport at Lusail Stadium

Even the Argentina subs are signing 'Muchacho' in that dugout.

Get Involved

For me, that Messi assist is why he'll always be a better player than Ronaldo. Yes, Messi scores goals - he actually has a better scoring rate than Ronaldo (the guy who 'lives for goals') but Messi is just as good as creating goals. The ultimate team player. Ronaldo clearly isn't that.

Ewan, Stockport

Getty Images

Come on now, let's not open this can of worms now.

Anyway, Messi is better ;)

Get Involved

Chris, yes agree. I think the stand out difference is that Messi is so much of a complete player rather than just a goal scorer as we have seen tonight. You just cannot see Ronaldo making that 3rd goal.

Alan, West Sussex

That's the 90 done. Croatia have five more minutes of meaningful 2022 World Cup football to... enjoy? Endure?

Alan Shearer

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Argentina fans are having a great time and so they should when their team is putting on a performance like this.

Croatia continue to have a go.

It's not happening, though. Lovro Majer's shot takes a deflection and is saved by Emi Martinez.

Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport at Lusail Stadium

"Muchachoooooo" is being belted out by the Argentina fans. That'll be ringing in my ears tonight.

Lusail is rocking.

What a feeling that must be, your team are 3-0 up in a semi-final with 15 minutes to go and you can just kick back and enjoy it.

Here are the expected goals from this game so far. The bigger the circle, the bigger the opportunity.

Black for Argentina, purple for Croatia and yellow for goals scored.

Both sides have had nine shots, but clearly Argentina have been more clinical with seven on target to Croatia's one.

Opta

Remember when Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia? You know, three weeks ago.

Get Involved - 'A bridge too far for Croatia'

One bridge too far for Croatia tonight. But a phenomenal effort to get there and they can go home with their heads held high.

Jim, Westminster

SUBSTITUTION

More late minutes for some Argentina subs.

Juan Foyth, formerly of Spurs now of Villarreal, is on, along with Angel Correa.

'Limp end for Croatia'

Rob Green

Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Really good execution, just inches away. It sums up Croatia's efforts tonight. Close at times, not close enough.

Very deflating end to this tournament for Croatia. They've worked so hard to get here against Brazil, the more fancied team. They are limping out now.

Getty Images

Oh, and they nearly do!

Ivan Perisic flicks the corner on at the near post but two Croatia players - one of them Dejan Lovren - can't make a telling touch as the ball drifts in front of him.

Five minutes of normal time left.

Croatia are still plugging away and win a corner.

Can they at least grab one last moment to enjoy in Qatar?