Messi insists Julián Álvarez deserved man of the match against Croatia | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has claimed that his Argentina teammate, Julián Álvarez, deserved to be awarded the man of the match trophy after the Albiceleste booked their ticket to the World Cup Final with a 3-0 thumping of Croatia on Tuesday.

Álvarez scored two goals on the night, including an unforgettable solo effort for Argentina’s second, bringing his tally up to four in the competition.

“Today Julián is a standout above all, he played an extraordinary game, he opened the game up, he found everyone. He deserves the award for best player of the match,” Messi said after the match.

Álvarez added: “I am happy personally and for the group, we deserved this. We played a great game and we’re in the final, which is what we wanted. Now to rest and wait to play a great game on Sunday.

“This is a joy for everyone. Very happy with what we are achieving and we are going for more.”

Argentina now await to see who they will face in the Final as France play Morocco in the other semi-final on Wednesday.