Messi's No. 3 Argentina took down No. 12 Croatia 3–0 in World Cup semi-final

The GIST: Turns out Lionel Messi is pretty good at soccer. The GOAT’s elusive World Cup title dream is still alive after No. 3 Argentina took down No. 12 Croatia 3–0 in yesterday’s semifinal. Now La Albiceleste await the winner of today’s 2 p.m. ET match between No. 4 France and No. 22 Morocco.

Argentina vs. Croatia recap: Messi put on a masterclass in leadership yesterday, netting the go-ahead goal off a penalty kick in the 34th minute (and becoming Argentina’s all-time leading men’s scorer in the process) then playing the supporting role for the team’s younger players.

• Twenty-two-year-old forward Julian Alvarez doubled the lead five minutes after Messi’s goal, then made it a brace thanks to a Messi assist in the second half. Talk about passing the torch.

• 2018 runners-up Croatia stuck to Messi like bees on honey, but struggled to mount any sustained attack on offense. Miss you already, Luka Modrić.

France vs. Morocco preview: Now to find Argentina an opponent. Today’s matchup features two squads that couldn’t be more different. Kylian Mbappé, a Golden Boot frontrunner, and Les Bleus are the defending champs, while Morocco is on a Cinderella run that just won’t quit.

• France has stunning offensive flair, but the Atlas Lions boast a defensive prowess and the confidence that comes with shutting out a handful of top-tier teams this tournament.

• All to say, anything could happen today. One thing’s for sure, though, you don’t want to miss this match — it’s going to be magnifique.