Lionel Messi heaped praise on Julian Alvarez after the Manchester City man helped Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 win over Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.
La Albiceleste were in control from the get-go and took the lead from the penalty spot through that man Messi. After Alvarez was hacked down inside the box, the Paris Saint-Germain star smashed the spot-kick into the top corner, giving Dominic Livakovic little chance.
Lionel Scaloni's side continued to dominate proceedings and added a second just before half-time. Alvarez slalomed through the Croatia defence before a couple of fortunate ricochets and bounces saw him eventually poke the ball past Livakovic. Then the youngster would complete his brace in the second-half as he tapped the ball home from close-range after Messi's dazzling run and pull back.
