11 examples of the internet losing its sh*t over Lionel Messi v Croatia
The internet exploded last night after Lionel Messi produced one of his best ever performances in a World Cup semi-final over Croatia.
At 35, Messi is still as competitive as ever and he rolled back the years with an outrageous second-half assist to set up Julian Alvarez.
The result for Argentina means they will play either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. The match will be Messi’s second World Cup final of his career, having also reached this mark in 2014.
Fans and pundits were quick to praise Messi after the game. ITV pundit Roy Keane explained: “You know what, it’s a pleasure to watch him live, it really is.
“Obviously we played at a very good level, but the level he’s at, at his age, even the third goal, he does it against some brilliant players, very good players.
“Honestly, it’s brilliant. Absolutely fantastic. What a player, and you know what, I really hope he goes on to win the World Cup. I think that would be the icing on the cake for the man. He’s just fantastic, consistent.
“Listen, we’d be here all night talking about the awards he won. He lifted that group of players. They have had some setbacks. The reaction after I gave up a two-goal lead against Holland summed up that team. They were on their knees, but they found a way to win the game.”
Ian Wright then added: “In 2014 I think he was player of the tournament in that one. Didn’t quite work out for him in 2018.
“The pressure he came into this one, maybe his last one, people talking about the team, they’re good enough, losing the first game – saw it happen with Spain in South Africa and then getting to the final . It is clear that Spain has crossed the line.
“I think the manager got it absolutely right today, his tactics, destroying their midfield and keeping it narrow.”
We’ve scoured the internet and found some of the best post-match reactions from Argentina’s convincing 3-0 win over Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.
Messi magic
by far the best video I have ever taken #messi pic.twitter.com/vJglh088Dr
— Connor Kalopsis (@ConnorKalopsis) December 13, 2022
best friends
Messi’s reaction to seeing Aguero being presented with the MOTM award is priceless 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/RCYCdvctN7
— Ryan (@bernardooooV3) December 14, 2022
GOAT debate
Is there still a debate? Ask for a goat.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) December 13, 2022
Better than Maradona?
I changed my mind! It was Maradona, but when I see Messi, I am convinced that he is the greatest we have seen in my lifetime. Pure Magic. GOAT 👍🏻🇦🇷
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) December 13, 2022
Scenes from Argentina
Bonkers 🤯pic.twitter.com/nmipaaRGyu
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) December 14, 2022
Julian Alvarez
Just noticed this. For that second brilliant #Julian Alvarez goal Julian Alvarez ran almost the entire length of the field. He was actually defending a corner in his own half before making that ferocious run with the ball through the Croatian defence. What a player. #WorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/VzcXvdj72n
— Shiva Chettri (@shivachettri) December 14, 2022
One of a kind
Really, how were people so stubborn to think Messi is not the GOAT?
This guy does things with a ball that no one can do (except Maradona)
— Rimedi (@r1medi) December 13, 2022
A beautiful moment
This interview with Messi is beautiful.. pic.twitter.com/eVxJXuqJwc
— J. (@Messilizer) December 14, 2022
Dressing room scenes
The Argentina dressing room after their win against Croatia #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/JuDmFSJZdV
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) December 13, 2022
Luka Modric respect
Luka Modric gets a standing ovation from Croatia AND Argentina fans. He is truly a special person. pic.twitter.com/PNRGAXpnMu
— WolfRMFC (@WolfRMFC) December 13, 2022
The biggest
To every Messi fan out there that I’ve ever argued with, I’m so sorry. He is the best player ever.
— E. (@UtdEIIis) December 13, 2022
READ NEXT: Rank every Argentina No.10 since Maradona: Messi, Riquelme, Aimar…
TRY A QUESTION: Can you name Barcelona’s XI from Lionel Messi’s last game?
