Lionel Messi surpasses Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina’s top scorer at World Cup finals with 11 goals, converting from the spot to draw level with Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot
Lionel Messi surpassed Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina’s all-time top scorer in World Cup finals with his semi-final strike against Croatia.
The 35-year-old blasted home from the penalty spot to give his Argentina side the lead in the 34th minute, after Julian Alvarez was taken out by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Messi made no mistake from 12 yards out, smashing his effort high into the top right corner to notch his 11th goal in the competition.
Lionel Messi scored to put Argentina 1-0 up in their World Cup semi-final clash against Croatia
In scoring his 11th World Cup goal Messi now overtakes Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s top scorer in the competition
The Paris Saint-Germain star had moved to 10 goals – and level with Batistuta – as he scored a second-half penalty against Holland in the quarter-finals.
And in putting his side ahead, Messi also drew level with France star Kylian Mbappe on five goals in the race for the Golden Boot.
Messi’s international record has long been criticised, with many picking fellow Argentinian Diego Maradona as their best-ever player, having inspired his country to World Cup victory in 1986.
Messi drew level with Kylian Mbappe in five goals in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot
The forward was instrumental as Argentina won Copa America last year, however, and he has once again played a vital role in Qatar.
In starting the match, Messi – making yet more history – also equaled Germany legend Lothar Matthaus in terms of appearances at the World Cup, with a total of 25.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will move to 26 caps and overtake Matthaus’ record if his side reach the final, where they would play either France or Morocco, on Sunday afternoon.
He also equaled Germany legend Lothar Matthaus’ World Cup appearance record, with 25
Messi’s cause was given a major boost just five minutes later, with Alvarez this time converting to put Argentina 2-0 up within the first half.
Argentina’s second goal came after some calamitous defending from a usually solid Croatia, with the Manchester City man eventually poking home past a hapless Livakovic.
The loser of tonight’s clash will play in Saturday’s third-place play-off, which starts at 3pm GMT.
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