Argentina fought their way back from intense criticism to prove everyone wrong and swaggered their way to the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where they will face defending champions France. In what will be the final World Cup game for Lionel Messi, the La Albiceleste are dreaming of a wonderous send-off for one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Here, we take a look at Argentina's journey to the final of the World Cup:
Goals scored: 12
Goals conceded: 5
Top scorer: Lionel Messi - 5
Most assists: Lionel Messi - 3
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.
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.
Semifinal: vs Croatia
Messi converted a penalty and had a hand in the other two goals by Julian Alvarez, leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia on December 13 (Tuesday) that set up Argentina's date with destiny. It will be Messi's second World Cup final - Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014.
