Croatia, runner-up in 2018, is the next obstacle for Argentina to overcome on Tuesday in the semifinals as Messi aims to win the one major trophy that has eluded him.
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We need to look at ourselves to play our best game,” Croatia defender Josip Juranovic said Sunday.
The fact that we act and play as a family.” Neymar was left in tears after Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw through extra time in their quarterfinal match.
Messi has been in inspired form during Argentina’s run to the semifinals, scoring four goals in five games.
That was as close as Messi has come to lifting soccer’s biggest trophy and he is just one game away from having another shot at it.
Croatia appears calm for now ahead of the game at Lusail Stadium.
“We don’t have a specific plan, at least not yet, for stopping Lionel Messi,” Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic said.
Argentina is not only Messi.”
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić described it as the best midfield in the world after beating Brazil, adding that it “paralyzed” Neymar and Brazil.
“I think Mateo (Kovacic), Luka (Modric) and Marcelo (Brozovic) are the best Croatian midfield in history,” Juranovic added.
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