Lionel Messi scored, assisted for Argentina in their 3-0 win over Croatia

Argentina has sailed through to the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar after smashing Croatia 3-0 with Lionel Messi displaying stellar performances.

Is Messi the new king in town?

Lionel Messi rose to the occasion when Argentina needed him most and he netted a goal for his country just to secure a spot in the World Cup finals.

Messi netted the first goal of the match through a penalty before Julian Alvarez of Manchester City scored two other goals for Argentina.

Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez celebrate the third Argentine goal in the Match between the teams of Argentina and Croatia, for the semifinal of the World Cup on December 14, 2022. AFP

READ: 'Rigged World Cup' - Reactions to Alvarez 'dive' as Messi inspires Argentina past Croatia to World Cup final

Dominik Livakovic fouled Alvarez inside the penalty box hence triggering the referee to award the spot kick. Messi confirmed it with a goal moments later before the end of the first half.

Luka Modric bows out of the tournament

Luka Modric was kicked out of the World Cup tournament together with his entire Croatian team after failing to keep up with Argentina's tempo.

Luka Modric of Croatia during Argentina vs Croatia, the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup on December 14, 2022. AFP

Croatia suffered a 3-0 loss to Argentina in a match that saw Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez score before 90 minutes. Alvarez scored a brace.

Croatia had defied all odds to reach the semi-finals but they ended up playing boring football as they sat back and defended most of the time to avoid conceding many goals.

It goes without a doubt that Luka Modric will retire without a World Cup trophy despite winning all the other prestigious silverware in his career with Real Madrid.