World Cup

AN INCREDIBLE decade-old photo of a young Julian Alvarez meeting Lionel Messi has gone viral.The pair combined to fire Argentina into a sixth World Cup final with a 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday.
Julian Alvarez (bottom left) meeting Argentina icon Lionel Messi a decade agoCredit: Twitter
Messi and Alvarez tore Croatia to shreds in the World Cup semi-finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Alvarez, 22, won a first-half penalty which Messi later converted.
The Manchester City star then got a goal of his own, finishing off an astonishing solo run, likened to Diego Maradona’s in 1986.
Messi then twisted defender of the tournament Josko Gvardiol into a new dimension in the second half before putting the ball on a place for Alvarez to net his brace.
As the pair dismantled 2018 finalists Croatia, a decade-old photo resurfaced.

A young Alvarez clearly couldn’t believe he managed to snap a pic with his idol.
Now, ten years later, he is trying to help Messi finally earn an elusive World Cup winners’ medal, at the final attempt.
The City ace now has FOUR goals in six games at the tournament.
Argentina will play current World Champions France OR surprise package Morocco on Sunday.
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Les Bleus take on the North African side on Wednesday.
However, Morocco are yet to concede a goal at the hands of an opposition player.
They have conceded just one goal, and it came from one of their own in Nayef Aguerd. More

LIONEL MESSI was accused of “BULLYING” Josko Gvardiol and the rest of the Croatia defence with his wizardry. Messi put Argentina in the lead before Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez made it 2-0 in the World Cup quarter-final.
Lionel Messi skips past Croatia’s Josko GvardiolCredit: Getty

The duo then linked up again to put the game beyond doubt with 20 minutes to go.
Alvarez finished off after a mesmerising run, in which the PSG superstar gave RB Leipzig’s Gvardiol the run around.
Messi’s twisting and turning left the defender in a heap of trouble – and fans online in awe.
One said: “Messi is a joke. He’s just scrambled Gvardiol on multiple occasions in a 10-second spell. Bullying.”
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Another said: “Listen to me. Gvardiol is a good defender. Very good. Lionel Messi just destroyed him. DESTROYED HIM.”
One added: “Not Messi alone bullying Croatia’s defence.”
Another added: “Messi is just bullying Croatia out there.”
Messi admitted before the winter World Cup in Qatar that is is “likely” his last.
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He is bidding to guide Argentina to glory for the first time since 1986, when they were inspired by the iconic Diego Maradona.
Messi has already made history in the tournament by becoming Argentina’s all-time top scorer in World Cup competition with 11 goals.
He surpassed Gabriel Batistuta after scoring against Croatia from the spot, before the game ended 3-0 to book their place in the final.
Lionel Messi celebrates his assistCredit: Rex More

THE stage is set for one last tango, and the little man will be taking the lead.For the third and final goal of a memorable evening, Lionel Messi led Josko Gvardiol a merry dance.
Lionel Messi scored his fifth goal of this World Cup as Argentina beat CroatiaCredit: Reuters
Croatia’s keeper Dominik Livakovic brought down Julian Alvarez for the spot kickCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
Messi stepped up to convert his third penalty in QatarCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
He blasted the spot kick high into the top corner beyond LivakovicCredit: Getty
Messi will now have a second shot at winning a World Cup finalCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
Once, twice, three times, maybe four, the Argentina captain beat one of the outstanding defenders at this tournament.
Then he laid it on a plate for Julian Alvarez to seal a convincing victory over a Croatian team that had previously refused to lose.
Messi also set Argentina on their way with the opening goal from the penalty spot that means he now holds his country’s record for World Cup goals.
But the only thing he really wants in his grasp is that golden trophy on Sunday.
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And as the blue and white hordes sang their hearts out, you could not help believing that he will.
Earlier in the tournament, beIN SPORTS presenter Richard Keys had dismissively described Argentina as “Messi and 10 of his mates”.
But against the ultimate collective, Croatia, Lionel Scaloni’s men proved they are a proper team, not a one-man band.
The captain scored the crucial opening goal but the spotkick was won by 22-year-old Alvarez after a lofted pass by 21-year-old Enzo Fernandez.
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When the Manchester City striker grabbed the second, after a Messi pass, it was thanks to lung-busting decoy runs by Rodrigo De Paul and right back Nahuel Molina.
That goal felt like the ultimate tribute to what Scaloni is on the verge of achieving.
Until recently, the Argentina boss was best known in England for a short spell with West Ham that included giving the ball away in the build-up to Steven Gerrard’s wondergoal for Liverpool in the 2006 FA Cup Final.
Now he’s going to give Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion their first representatives in a World Cup final.
Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was deemed not good enough for Arsenal, yet he’s set to line up for football’s ultimate showpiece.
Carlos Mac Allister, dad of Seagulls star Alexis, played with Diego Maradona.
The band of brothers that Scaloni has created with, not around, Messi, will now try to emulate the 1986 side led by El Diego.
Speaking after the game, Messi said: “I feel many things, it’s very exciting to see all this. Seeing the people, the family throughout the World Cup was something incredible. We’re going for the last game, which was what we wanted.
“I don’t know if it’s my best World Cup or not. I’ve been enjoying this a lot for a long time.
“We were confident that this group was going to pull it off. We know what we are and we ask the people to believe in us.
“Argentina is, once again, in the world final. Enjoy!
“We’ve been through tough situations, other very good ones. Today we’re experiencing something spectacular. I’m enjoying all these people and all the Argentines who are in our country. I imagine it must all be crazy.
“We knew we weren’t the top candidates, but we weren’t going to give anyone anything. We showed it game by game.”
As for that other great No 10, it was just not Luka Modric’s night.
He and his team were the better side until their defence fell apart twice in seven first-half minutes.
They dominated the ball in the early stages and their possession was neater and crisper than their opponents’.
Moreover, their shape and diligence was cutting off the supply route to Messi, who barely had a kick for the first 20 minutes.
Neither side was giving its forwards much to work with, though, and when an effort on goal finally arrived in the 25th minute, it was from range. Even then Fernandez’s effort was probably going wide and did not need Dominik Livakovic’s save.
But a few minutes later the Croatian goalkeeper was found wanting.
Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead with a superb solo goalCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
Argentina will play Morocco or France in Sunday’s finalCredit: Richard Pelham -The Sun
Alvarez buried Messi’s pullback to give Argentina a thirdCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
Messi and Alvarez scored and assisted all of Argentina’s three goalsCredit: Getty
Fernandez’s ball over the top caught out the defence, Alvarez raced on and tipped the ball over Livakovic, who took him down.
There could be no arguments about the penalty, although Mateo Kovacic’s best efforts earned him a yellow card and coach Mario Mandzukic was sent off from the bench.
And there were none about Messi’s conversion as he hit it high, hard and handsome to Livakovic’s left.
The Argentina fans, whose early passion and volume had diminished a little, found their voices again.
Five minutes later, they turned it up to 11.
A Croatia attack broke down and Messi found Alvarez breaking from his own half. The brilliant diagonal run by Molina in particular caused panic, full backs Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa failed to clear and Alvarez took advantage of a ricochet to prod the ball home.
Only a fine save by Livakovic after a corner stopped Mac Allister heading in a corner.
Suddenly, Messi was everywhere, twisting, turning and tormenting.
Martinez pushed away a Juranovic cross but that was it for Croatian threats on goal.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic made a double change at half time and his team regained some of their composure.
But Argentina were menacing on the break.
Alvarez almost teed up Fernandez, who is adding to the price Benfica can demand from with every game, then Messi forced a save from Livakovic at his near post.
Dejan Lovren had a chance to head Croatia back into the game, but any lingering hope soon died.
Poor Gvardiol didn’t know which way to turn until Messi pulled the ball back to Alvarez and then he could only watch as it was despatched into the net.
Mac Allister had a late chance to make it four, Ivan Perisic’s flick on from a corner at the other end went begging, and then it was over.
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But the dream is not. The fairytale ending that many neutrals wanted is there for the writing.
And Argentina will hope that Messi – and his team – have something godlike saved for Sunday.
Messi’s standout moment came in his assist for Argentina’s third goalCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
The World Cup is the one trophy that has eluded Messi throughout his careerCredit: Getty
Argentina have not won the World Cup since 1986Credit: Getty More

ROY KEANE, Gary Neville and Ian Wright believe Argentina were WRONGFULLY awarded a penalty in their World Cup semi-final clash with Croatia.Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez, 22, honed in on Croatia’s goal and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Livakovic took out Alvarez and a penalty was awardedCredit: Getty
Keane, Neville and Wright believe the referee made the wrong decisionCredit: ITV
Ex-ref Walton backed the referee’s decision to award Argentina a penalty.Credit: ITV
The Keeper cleaned Alvarez out and the ball was swept clear before it could cross the line.
Referee Daniele Orsato then awarded a penalty and booked Livakovic for the challenge.
Lionel Messi stepped up and converted from the penalty spot to hand Argentina a semi-final lead.
It took Messi’s World Cup goals tally to 11, making him the South American’s all-time top scorer at the tournament.
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Alvarez then got a goal of his own to hand Argentina a two-goal lead heading into half-time.
However, ITV’s punditry team consisting of Premier League legends Keane, Neville and Wright, believe Argentina’s penalty shouldn’t have been awarded.

The trio believe Livakovic had nowhere to go and Alvarez in fact ran into the keeper.
Neville fumed: “No (it should not have been a penalty), not at all. We’re right above it here, this angle is a little further away but the ‘keeper comes out, he basically just makes a movement to his right, stops himself before the actual shot is about to be taken and Alvarez just runs into him and takes his leg away.
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“This is not a penalty. What else can he do? He has to make that motion to try and save the ball, he plants his feet.
“If he’d carried on running out and taken out Alvarez then fair enough, but he stops before it and I don’t know if that’s a penalty.”
Wright added: “When you look at it, the centre forward, he’s actually mis-kicked it to be honest. If he hits it and it goes into the goal, the goalkeeper can’t do anything like you say, he’s stopped.
“Alvarez miskicks it, it’s not going into the goal, the goalkeeper can’t do anything else but stand his ground and he runs into him. The referee didn’t have a look, I can’t understand it.”
While Keane said: “Poor defending overall to let him get a run in on goal, but I agree with the lads I don’t think it’s a penalty, where else are you supposed to go?”
Former referee Peter Walton, however, agreed with the decision to award the spot-kick.
Walton says if the situation was flipped and the incident involved an outfield player, a foul would be given, so it shouldn’t be any different when involving a goalie.
Keane could be heard saying “wow”, as Walton gave his reasoning.
Alvarez got his second of the night in the second 45, finishing off a well-worked move orchestrated by Messi, booking Argentina’s place in their sixth-ever World Cup final. More

WORLD CUP viewers were left baffled after TV cameras lingered on Lionel Messi scratching his private parts during Argentina’s win over Croatia.The 35-year-old lit up the first-half, scoring from the penalty spot to help his side into a 2-0 lead.
Lionel Messi was caught itching his nether regions during Argentina’s clash with Croatia
As he came out for the second period, telly cameras inevitably focused on the Argentine superstar.
Just as they did, Messi decided to itch his nether regions… for millions watching at home to see.
And as TV cameras took in the awkward moment, fans quickly commented on social media.
One wrote: “Why did they zoom in on Messi playing with his balls im kind of uncomfortable.”
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And a second added: “just had to watch Messi scratch his balls for 10 seconds on live tv.”
A third Twitter user joked: “obligatory shot of Messi scratching his balls in different angles.”
While a fourth asked: “why’d they zoom into Messi scratching his balls?”
Another seemed to enjoy it, however, tweeting: “The close up shot of Lionel Messi scratching his balls has got to be the highlight of this World Cup in my opinion.”
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A further fan quipped: “the cameramen giving like three different angles of messi scratching his balls. This is what football is all about.”
And another added: “Thanks World Cup control room for giving us multiple angles of a close up on Messi scratching his nuts. Vital television.”
Messi’s 34th minute penalty was followed by a stunning, albeit fortuitous, solo goal by Julian Alvarez.
And in the 70th minute he produced another moment of magic, bamboozling Josko Gvardiol before teeing up Alvarez for his side’s third as they coasted to a 3-0 victory.
Messi is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time during his glittering career.

He has reached one previous final, losing 1-0 to Germany in Brazil eight years ago.
But will face his date with destiny on Sunday against either Morocco or France.
Messi, 35, is aiming to win the World Cup for the first timeCredit: Getty More

CROATIA coach Mario Mandzukic was sent off while on the bench after being left fuming with Argentina’s penalty. Lionel Messi put his side 1-0 up in the World Cup quarter-final after Julian Alvarez was brought down by keeper Dominik Livakovic.
Julian Alvarez is taken down by Dominik LivakovicCredit: Getty
Messi converted from the spot, to become Argentina’s all-time World Cup scorer on 11, but ex-Croatia star Mandzukic was left raging.
The ex-striker angrily contested the decision, so much so that it saw him dismissed from the bench and match itself.
Manchester City’s Alvarez then doubled Argentina’s lead before the half-time break.
But the foul that subsequently led to Messi’s opener from 12 yards was hotly disputed in the ITV studio.
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Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane all agreed that it should not have been given.
But retired referee and expert Peter Walton said the right decision was made, as Livakovic missed the ball and impeded the player.
Co-commentators Ally Mccoist and Lee Dixon also believe a penalty should have been awarded.
The team of Messi and Alvarez again linked up with the City forward doubling his lead to make it 3-0 after 70 minutes.
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Reigning champions France and Morocco contest for the second place in the final tomorrow night.
France beat England 2-1 to progress to the last four, with Harry Kane missing a late penalty.
Meanwhile Morocco stunned Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to become the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Julian Alvarez celebrates with Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters More