The 35-year-old delivered yet another magical performance at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday evening, opening the scoring from the penalty spot with a powerful effort that flew into the roof of the net.
Julian Alvarez added a second just five minutes later to put Argentina in control, before doubling his tally for the night in the 69th minute to become the youngest player since Pele to net a brace in a World Cup semi-final and seal the 3-0 victory.
However, the goal was made by Messi after an incredible dribble which saw him breeze past Josko Gvardiol before putting the ball on a plate for Alvarez to tuck home.
Messi was named Man of the Match for his performance, which was all the more impressive because he appeared to be carrying a thigh problem and could be seen feeling his hamstring throughout the first half.
But the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has now played down concerns over his fitness and insists he will be ready for Sunday’s final.
Asked how he is feeling after the match, Messi replied: ‘I feel really good, I feel strong and ready to play each game.
‘It’s not easy as we arrived tired but the group gained strength again and we played a strong game. I am enjoying this a lot. I feel very happy in this World Cup and I am able to help the squad.
‘We knew they were going to have a lost of possession of the ball because they have very good players in the midfield, but we prepared well for the game.’
Reflecting on Argentina’s route to the final, he continued: ‘To start the World Cup in such a way, we did not think we would lose to Saudi Arabia. It was a real acid test of the whole squad to show how strong we are.
‘Every match since then has been a final and we have now won five finals in a row. I hope this will also be the case on Sunday.’
Messi collected yet more records in Tuesday’s match, eclipsing Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s record scorer at World Cups on 11 goals and equalling Lothar Matthaus’ long-standing record of World Cup appearances with 25 – a record he can claim outright in Sunday’s final.
The PSG star has also tied Diego Maradona as the Argentine with the most assists at the World Cup on eight, while one more goal involvement in Sunday’s final will see him set a new record and become the first player to score or assist 20 goals in the tournament’s history.
MORE : Lionel Messi one match away from immortality as Argentina cruise into World Cup final
MORE : Gary Neville and Ian Wright clash with former referee over penalty controversy in Argentina v Croatia World Cup semi-final
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
