Argentina fans were filmed celebrating Lionel Messi's goal against Croatia at Diego Maradona's old house in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The South Americans reached their second World Cup final in eight years after Messi's penalty and a brace from Manchester City star Julian Alvarez secured a 3-0 win against Croatia. They will now face either France or Morocco at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
Messi is set to become just the second Argentina skipper after Diego Maradona to captain the country at two World Cup finals. At 35, Sunday's game is likely to be his last chance to win the competition and avenge Argentina's defeat to Germany in the 2014 final.
Dozens of emotional, elated fans celebrated Messi's first-half penalty at Maradona's old house in the Argentinian capital, which was bought by a local businessman and turned into a venue for the World Cup. Maradona sadly passed away aged 60 in November 2020.
Journalist Jack Nicas was at Maradona's former home for Tuesday's game and claims there was a "full on party", as Argentina's dream of a third world title remained alive. Many believe Messi is destined to finally lift the famous trophy and cap off his remarkable career.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has won almost everything in the game. He's lifted 11 league titles, four Champions Leagues, the Copa America and countless other honours with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina - yet the World Cup eludes him.
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Messi won the World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 after leading Argentina to the final in Brazil, yet his performances in Qatar have been on another level. The amazing Argentine has scored five goals and provided three assists in his six outings so far.
Messi's displays have been compared to Maradona's in 1986, when the superstar dragged Argentina to glory in Mexico. Some critics believe Messi can't be considered as the GOAT (greatest of all time) until he emulates Maradona's achievement 36 years ago.
Yet the PSG hero is now just 90 minutes away from doing that. "I am enjoying this a lot," said Messi after Tuesday's victory. "I am feeling really good, I feel strong enough to face every match. The previous match was a big sacrifice.
"Today we were tired but we pulled out strength to earn the victory. We played very well, we preferred to play this way because we knew they would not have the ball. We knew we would have to run. We prepared in a very good way. I feel very happy in this World Cup. I am able to help the squad."
Messi broke a number of records on Tuesday. He now has 11 goals at the World Cup - more than any other Argentina international - and is the first player from his country to score in five different matches at a single edition of the competition.
Messi also made his 25th World Cup appearance against Croatia and will break Germany legend Lothar Matthaus' record if he plays in the final on Sunday as expected.
