Messi and Argentina are through to this year’s FIFA World Cup final, after their convincing 3-0 victory against Croatia.
Argentina have been FIFA World Cup finalists five times before, including the first World Cup in 1930 where they lost to Uruguay. They won the prestigious tournament in 1978 and in 1986.
This will be the second World Cup final for Lionel Messi, he had his first attempt in 2014 against Germany where they lost 1-0 in extra time.
Messi has gone on to become Argentina’s all-time leader in World Cup caps (25) and goals (11) but has been unable to lead the team to World Cup glory, the only thing missing from his impressive CV. He did win the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, this is the ultimate trophy Messi wants that will solidify his GOAT status in the modern football era.
Fans around the world reacted to Messi and Argentina reaching the World Cup final: