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Argentina fought their way back from intense criticism to prove everyone wrong and reach the semifinal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Croatia. In what might be the final parade for Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste have risen from the ashes to reach the penultimate round of the biggest sporting event in the world.
Here, we take a look at Argentina's journey to the semis of the World Cup:
Goal scored: 9
Goal conceded: 5
Top scorer: Lionel Messi — 4
Turning point of the tournament
Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the football tournament. Then it was the biggest upset of the tournament and spurred the team on to better things. Since then, they have remained unbeaten.
Semifinal: vs Croatia
Argentina face Croatia in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup. The match is set to happen at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday (December 14) morning at 12:30 am IST. All matches will be telecast on Sports 18 Network HD/SD and MTV HD, and live broadcast on JIO Cinema.
First match: Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
It was a major disappointment for Argentina, who suffered a 2-1 loss to the Asia minnows. After Messi gave his side the lead from the spot, goals from Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari in the second half stunned the two-time World Cup champions.
Second Match: Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Lionel Messi found the net yet again and this time, the Argentineans held on to secure a comfortable victory over Mexico. It was a disappointing campaign for the El Tri, with Enzo Fernandez doubling their lead to give Argentina a 2-0 victory.
Third Match: Poland 0:2 Argentina
After bouncing back into the tournament with a win over Mexico, Argentina bounced back in style in their second game. Lionel Messi saw a penalty saved but Alex Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez struck for the Albiceleste to bring them back into the tournament.
Round of 16: Argentina 2-1 Australia
Messi found the net once again with a brilliant shot as Argentina fended a resilient Australia to win their Round of 16 games 2-1. Young Manchester City starlet Julian Alvarez also scored his first FIFA World Cup goal. Enzo Fernandez scored an own goal, but it was just a consolation.
Quarterfinal: Argentina 2-2 Netherlands (4-3 AET)
Argentina started off really well against the Netherlands, and it was Messi who shone yet again. A pass on-point to find Nahuel Molina gave the Albiceleste the lead, and then Messi once again from the spot, gave Argentina a 2-0 lead. The match eventually ended 2-2, after late goals in the 82nd and 101st minute from Wout Weghorst brought the Netherlands back into the game.
Argentina went on to beat the Dutchmen 4-2 in penalties as Messi reached his second FIFA World Cup semifinal.
