Lionel Messi, Argentina Players Left World Cup Parade by Helicopter Due to Crowd Size
Dec 20, 2022
Argentine players Rodrigo De Paul (L), Lionel Messi (C) and Cristian Romero (R) celebrate on board a bus with a sign reading "World Champions" with supporters after winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup tournament as they tour through Buenos Aires' downtown on December 20, 2022. - Millions of ecstatic fans are expected to cheer on their heroes as Argentina's World Cup winners led by captain Lionel Messi began their open-top bus parade of the capital Buenos Aires on Tuesday following their sensational victory over France. (Photo by TOMAS CUESTA / AFP) (Photo by TOMAS CUESTA/AFP via Getty Images)
There were so many people in Buenos Aires to celebrate Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup that players had to leave the bus parade celebration via helicopter.
With a crowd estimated to be as large as 5 million, authorities canceled the parade early over security concerns, according to James Grainger of the Buenos Aires Times.
Argentina players had to leave their bus parade and fly over Buenos Aires by helicopter because of the massive crowds 🚁 pic.twitter.com/pvik1QtaX7
Grainger added that the number of people attending the parade "made it impossible at times for the open-top bus carrying the players and coaching staff to even advance on the capital."
Portions of the parade route were completely blocked off with fans, which forced changes to be made to the route. Additionally, some fans attempted to jump onto the team's bus, and at least 18 people are reported to have injuries, according to Grainger.
The team bus was forced to drive to a nearby school before players boarded helicopters to return to their training facility just outside the Argentine capital.
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, released a statement on Twitter (h/t Grainger): "We were not allowed to arrive to greet all the people who were at the Obelisk, the same security forces that were escorting us did not allow us to move forward. A thousand apologies on behalf of all the champion players," Tapia wrote.
Presidential spokeswoman Gabriela Cerruti added: "The World Champions are flying over the parade route in helicopters because it was impossible to continue on the ground."
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup on penalty kicks over France on Sunday. It marks the country's first World Cup victory since 1986 and its third overall after winning in 1978.
It was a particularly special victory for Messi, arguably the greatest player in the world, as winning the World Cup was one of the only things left for him to accomplish. While the 2022 tournament was expected to be his last, Messi said that he is not retiring from the national team, which opens the door for his return to the biggest stage in 2026, when the United States will be a co-host.
Brazil Still No. 1 in FIFA Rankings Despite Argentina Winning World Cup vs. France
Dec 19, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain react with Neymar Jr #10 during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and AJ Auxerre at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Argentina may be champions of the world, but they aren't going to be No. 1 in the updated FIFA rankings.
Dale Johnson of ESPN FC noted South American rival Brazil will maintain their top spot this month after reaching the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Brazil lost to Croatia in those quarterfinals, although the defeat came via a penalty shootout.
Argentina won the World Cup for the first time since 1986 thanks to its victory over France on Sunday, which also came via a penalty shootout.
Here is a look at the latest top 10 in the FIFA rankings:
1. Brazil
2. Argentina
3. France
4. Belgium
5. England
6. Netherlands
7. Croatia
8. Italy
9. Portugal
10. Spain
The United States, which advanced out of the group stage before losing to the Netherlands in the round of 16, is the highest-ranked team in the CONCACAF at No. 13. Mexico is No. 15.
Johnson explained Brazil only held onto their top spot because Sunday's final went into a penalty shootout. Had either France or Argentina won in regular time or even extra time, they would have propelled to the top spot.
However, victories that come via a penalty shootout are worth fewer ranking points.
Argentina also defeated the Netherlands in the quarterfinals in a penalty shootout.
Still, Lionel Messi and Co. surely aren't too concerned with the FIFA rankings after prevailing on the sport's biggest stage. It was the first World Cup title for the legendary superstar and was something of a mic-drop moment in the debate about who is the greatest player of all time.
It wasn't without challenge from someone who is well on his way to becoming a part of those GOAT debates.
Kylian Mbappé notched a hat trick, with the first two goals coming in the 80th and 81st minutes after France fell behind 2-0. That flurry forced extra time, but it appeared as if Messi won it with a goal in the 108th minute.
Mbappé wasn't done, though, as he scored the equalizer on a penalty in the 118th minute.
They each converted their attempts in the penalty shootout as well, but Messi's teammates helped his side prevail in one of the most memorable showdowns in the sport's history.
There's No Debate Now: Lionel Messi Is the GOAT After World Cup Final Master Class
Dec 18, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after the team's victory in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi played the lights out of Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
After gripping drama that went all the way to penalties, Messi is champion of the world.
Now 35, the "Messi-ah" from Rosario has (finally) collected the ultimate football trophy. He'll place that prize in a crowded cabinet, beside his numerous Ballon d'Or awards, his extensive La Liga titles, his Champions League accolades. He's won 35 trophies with Barcelona, two with Paris Saint-Germain and three now with Argentina.
But the World Cup trophy is the most sought-after crown of them all, eluding even the brightest stars.
As Messi lifts it, the debate should be settled for good: He is the greatest player of all time. No other footballer has achieved what he has, as long as he has, at so many levels of the game. The international piece missing from his cabinet is acquired.
Messi is the champion of the world and the best in the world. We may never find one like him again.
Here's a breakdown of all that happened from possibly the greatest World Cup Final of them all.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria of Argentina celebrate 2nd goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
A Masterful First Half from Argentina
Argentina looked like the inevitable victor in the first half as Messi performed on an otherworldly level.
He struck at all the right moments, making plays no other player has the sight or touch to find. He was joined in performance by reliable stalwarts and burgeoning young talents in his squad.
Ángel Di María—himself 34, shaking off injury—got the surprise start and was formidable on the left wing. Di María was indispensable to early Argentine domination as he tied his opposing counterpart Jules Koundé in knots, making him look out of depth. Di María drew the penalty, enticing Ousmane Dembélé to give the foul that led to Argentina's first goal. Thirteen minutes later, he put the second one away after a rapid Argentine counterattack.
🔥 Put this goal in a museum. Brilliant passing and movement.
Lovely flick from Lionel Messi. Love the way Angel di Maria hit the ball into the floor on the finish. #ARG 2-0 #FRApic.twitter.com/nSKXweMq3n
The French were lucky to only be down 2-0 after the first 45 as Les Bleusfailed to register a shot on target. Messi was at the center as a surprisingly listless France side looked bewildered by a blue-and-white storm that hit them hard.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina and Kylian Mbappe (10) of France wait for the extra time to start during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Mbappé Flips the Script
It was all going to plan: a sure coronation for Messi and the Albicelesteas Buenos Aires and Argentina fans worldwide readied for the biggest party you'd ever see.
And then it flipped late in the second half. Seemingly out of nowhere in the 80th minute, Nicolás Otamendi fouled Randal Kolo Muani cutting into the box, gifting a penalty to France. It was Kylian Mbappé's turn to stand where Messi had in the first half and send the penalty home that shifted the pace.
🇫🇷 ¡¡¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOL DE FRANCIAAAAAAAAA!!! 🇫🇷
🙌 ¡KYLIAAAAAAN MBAPPÉ! ¡EL CRACK FRANCÉS DICE PRESENTE!
Mbappé rushed to the net to surface the ball and restart. And within 70-odd seconds, he tucked the ball into the net a second time.
In future years, we may talk of Mbappé in the same vein as Messi. His World Cup final effort will not be forgotten, and his audacious volleyed goal for his second of the night will be evidence of his greatness.
The French, largely lethargic throughout the final, found inspiration led by their own No. 10. An epic World Cup tournament was going to extra time. The added 30 minutes would be no less dramatic.
Messi and Mbappé Trade Goals in Extra Time
Despite the long, intense tournament, both Messi and Mbappé were at their irrepressible best. Messi continued to be talismanic in the extra period. Mbappé had arisen from his slumber, and Messi was still cooking at high heat.
Messi struck first.
🇦🇷 ¡¡¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL DE ARGENTINAAAAAAAAAA!!! 🇦🇷
🙌 ¡¡¡LEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MEEEEEEEEESSIIIIII!!! ¡DOBLETEEEEEEE DE LEEEEOOOOO!
Lautaro Martínez collected a long ball down to Messi. Messi tapped it to Enzo Fernández, who sent it back to Martínez for the shot. Waiting in front of the net, Messi found the rebound deflected by Hugo Lloris and collected his seventh goal of the 2022 World Cup.
Ten minutes later, France found a response. An ill-timed handball brought another penalty for Les Bleus. And in the 118th minute of extra time, Mbappe was back waiting at the place. Sending it home, Mbappé collected a hat trick and the Golden Boot.
The lottery of the penalty shootout awaited both teams.
Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi takes the first penalty of his team to score past France's goalkeeper #01 Hugo Lloris during the penalty shoot-out of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Unsurprisingly, Mbappé and Messi didn't miss their respective penalties. It was now out of their control.
But their World Cup final duel will be long remembered. Mbappé may not have won the day, but he established himself as Messi's heir apparent as the best player in the world.
Unfortunately for the PSG superstar, Messi's teammates wouldn't be deterred.
Emi Martínez Is Argentina's Penalty Hero Again
It's been quite the journey for Emiliano Martínez. After spending years toiling on loan and in the reserves for Arsenal, the 30-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper has come to prominence for his bold character and his ability to stop penalties.
Alongside many of Messi's teammates ushering him toward the final prize, he deserves his moment of praise tonight.
With the pressure on, he performed with aplomb, stopping a Kingsley Coman penalty and overseeing the miss of another in a penalty shootout that went Argentina's way.
Argentina had many heroes besides Messi, from Martínez to young stars like Fernández and Julián Álvarez. But no other player deserves as much credit as Martínez.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates on Sergio Aguero of Argentina's shoulders with the FIFA World Cup Trophy following his team's victory in during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Messi's Legacy as the GOAT Secured
After Gonzalo Montiel's final penalty crashed into the net, we can finally put some things to rest.
One is the long streak of a European team winning the men's World Cup, as Argentina became the first side outside Europe to do it since Brazil in 2002.
The other is the long debate regarding the legacies of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter departed this tournament far earlier, shrouded in controversy and with no trophies to his name. Ronaldo has never scored in a World Cup knockout game and almost assuredly will never win the World Cup. The 2022 World Cup was Messi's crowning achievement; for Ronaldo, it was the final whimper of an epic career.
Mbappé is next in line to inherit the world of football from those two giants, and in years to come, he may reach their level.
Past legends have been referred to as the GOAT. Diego Maradona, Messi's cultural and spiritual predecessor, comes to mind, and his 1986 World Cup win with Argentina was the measuring stick by which Messi was judged. Pelé dominated his era with no equal.
But none have achieved for so long and on so many stages of the game.
Messi has surpassed them all, winning everything at every level in dominant fashion. In the pantheon of football's best, the quiet 5'7" magician stands above them all.
Now a World Cup champion, with seven goals this tournament, an incredible final performance and some of his best-ever play along the way, perhaps we can finally agree: Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all time.
Lionel Messi Says He's Not Retiring from Argentina Team After World Cup Win
Dec 18, 2022
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec.18, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Lionel Messi is finally a World Cup champion, but he has no plans to retire from the Argentina national team following its victory over France in the 2022 World Cup Final in Qatar on Sunday.
"No, I'm not gonna retire from the national team," Messi told TyC Sports, per insider Fabrizio Romano. "I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt."
Messi scored on a penalty kick in the 23rd minute to give Argentina a 1-0 lead before Ángel Di María made it a 2-0 game in the 36th minute.
La Albiceleste held on to that 2-0 lead over France entering halftime at Lusail Stadium before chaos ensued late in the second half and in extra time to produce one of the most exciting World Cup finals ever.
France's Kylian Mbappé scored on a penalty kick in the 80th minute to give Les Bleus some life, and he scored again in the 81st minute to tie the game, leaving Argentinian fans shell-shocked.
Argentina and France continued to trade blows in extra time as Messi scored his second of the game in the 108th minute to put his country up 3-2. But just when La Albiceleste thought it had secured the victory, Mbappé found the back of the net in the 118th minute on a penalty kick.
With the game tied 3-3 after 120 minutes, Argentina won the match 4-2 on penalties to secure Messi his first World Cup trophy.
The 35-year-old won the Golden Ball as the best player of the World Cup after scoring seven goals and registering three assists in Qatar. He also won the Golden Ball in 2014 and is the first player in history to win the award twice.
One of the best players to ever take the field, Messi made his debut for Argentina's senior national team in 2005. In addition to winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi has helped Argentina capture gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and win the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 Finalissima.
It was widely believed that the 2022 World Cup would be his last, but now that he has shut down retirement rumors, he could lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, when he'll turn 39.
If Messi wants to return to the World Cup in four years, he'll surely make it happen, even if he may not be the same level of player.
World Cup Final Results 2022: Top Highlights, Stats and Man of the Match
Dec 18, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after the team's victory in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi can finally be called a world champion.
Messi scored twice in one of the most epic soccer games anyone has ever watched as Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final over France on penalties.
The climactic match in Qatar finished 3-3 after extra time, with La Albiceleste claiming the shootout by a 4-2 margin.
Argentina held a comfortable 2-0 lead until the 80th minute courtesy of a Messi penalty and a sublime team goal finished by Ángel Di María in the first half. However, Kylian Mbappé converted from the spot and finished a sumptuous volley in a span of two minutes to send the game to extra time.
Messi was once again on hand to put Argentina in front in the 108th minute, but Mbappé kept his cool from the penalty spot once more to send the final to a shootout.
Messi knocked home the first penalty, then Argentina keeper Emiliano Martínez made a save in the second round from Kingsley Coman's effort. France's Aurélien Tchouaméni sent his spot-kick wide in the third round, leaving Gonzalo Montiel to seal the title in the fourth.
Argentina appeared to have full control of the contest thanks to a pair of first-half goals from Messi and Di María.
Messi became the first man to score in all four knockout round games of a single World Cup with his penalty in the 23rd minute after Di María was brought down by Ousmane Dembélé.
France did not attempt a single shot until the 71st minute, and La Albiceleste appeared to be cruising. However, the game flipped on its head when they conceded a penalty in the 80th minute.
Mbappé coolly converted, and the final burst into life once more at the Lusail Stadium.
One minute later, Mbappé levelled the contest at two goals apiece with a stunning volley, eventually sending the final to another 30 minutes of game time.
Messi and Argentina thought they had the World Cup locked up again in the 108th minute, when the 35-year-old finished off a chaotic sequence in front of Hugo Lloris in the French net.
Mbappé's hat trick pushed him ahead of Messi into first place in the Golden Boot race with seven goals.
That was a small consolation for the French superstar after losing in his second World Cup final.
Argentina's stars were faultless with their spot-kicks, while France was left to rue Coman's saved effort and Tchouaméni's miss, handing a third world title to Argentina and preventing Les Bleus from defending their 2018 tournament victory in Russia.
While a penalty shootout is always a cruel way to lose, Argentina was good value for the win on the balance of play. France finished with just five shots on target to La Albiceleste's 10 and failed to do anything in the final third in the first 70 minutes. Emiliano Martínez made just two saves for Argentina, albeit one was crucial in the 123rd minute when left one-on-one with Randal Kolo Muani.
Messi was, perhaps inevitably, Man of the Match for his pair of goal contributions.
He has now won a major tournament title in each of the last two years with Argentina, securing his first Copa America in 2021 and now adding a World Cup title to his illustrious resume.
World Cup 2022 Closing Ceremony Start Time, Live Stream and Latest Rumors
Dec 18, 2022
Julian Alvarez C of Argentina celebrates scoring team's second goal with Lionel Messi during the Semifinal between Argentina and Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Dec. 13, 2022. (Photo by Xu Zijian/Xinhua via Getty Images)
The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final is here, with Lionel Messi-led Argentina and Kylian Mbappé-led France set to meet at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday to see who will be crowned champion.
The World Cup final is set to kick off at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, but first, fans will be treated to a World Cup closing ceremony, which is expected to begin around 8:30 a.m. ET. Both the game and the closing ceremony can be watched on Fox and streamed on Fox Sports.
As is customary with the World Cup closing ceremony, organizers have kept details of the event under wraps. However, we do have some details about the artists who will be performing.
Afrobeat musician Davido will headline the event, FIFA confirmed. He will perform "Hayya Hayya (Better Together)," which is one of the songs featured on the 2022 World Cup soundtrack. Trinidad Cardona and Aisha are also featured on the track, and Aisha will perform alongside Davido at Lusail Stadium.
Award-winning Puerto Rican artist Ozuna and Congolese-French rapper Gims are also expected to perform their song "Arhbo," which is featured on the 2022 World Cup soundtrack. It was a Billboard top-10 hit.
In addition, Indian actress, singer and dancer Nora Fatehi is expected to perform alongside Balqees, Rahma Riad and Manal. They will be performing her song "Light The Sky," which is also featured on the 2022 World Cup soundtrack.
With a diverse set of artists set to perform, the closing ceremony should be one to remember, followed by an even more memorable clash between two of the world's best teams.
Argentina and France make up one of the buzzwortthy finals at the FIFA World Cup. Argentina is in search of its third World Cup crown and first in the era of...
World Cup 2022: Early Guide for Argentina vs. France Final
Dec 14, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 13: Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina is seen during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Semi-Final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium on December 13, 2022, in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The 2022 FIFA World Cup has a dream final.
Kylian Mbappé and France will try to defend their World Cup crown from 2018.
Argentina will try to earn the one thing missing on Lionel Messi's illustrious resume.
Sunday's final has everything you could ask for from star power to strong defenses to a recent history between the two sides.
France defeated Argentina 4-3 in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup in a game that featured Mbappé, Messi and plenty of others who will be on the field Sunday inside the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar.
Match Preview
Argentina and France have been two of the best sides in Qatar and are deserving of playing in the final.
Argentina cruised past Croatia in the semifinal round thanks to an early attacking onslaught led by Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
La Albiceleste have an extra day of rest compared to France and they played in a less stressful semifinal. Croatia did not produce much in the final third against the Argentinian defense.
The Argentina back line has been solid for most of the tournament. The South American side produced two clean sheets to recover from a humiliating loss to Saudi Arabia at the start of Group C.
Argentina defended well for long stretches of the knockout round. Its concession against Australia was an own goal and it held the Netherlands without many significant chances for 80 minutes. Croatia did not manage much in the final third on Tuesday.
Messi is the game-breaker in the Argentina attack, and he will be expected to shine again on Sunday, but the Argentinian defense could be the ultimate difference-maker.
France's back line has looked shaky for parts of the tournament. France was lucky not to concede in Wednesday's semifinal win over Morocco.
Before that clean sheet, France had not shut out an opponent in Qatar.
France has gotten away with the defensive mistakes because Mbappé, Olivier Giroud and Co. have scored multiple goals in every game the first team has started.
The concern for France comes in the form of the Argentina defense. Mbappé and Giroud could be limited by Nicolás Otamendi and Co.
Mbappé was not as dominant in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds as he was in his first three starts in Qatar.
Argentina can overload one side and commit an extra defender to Mbappé to take the 23-year-old out of the contest.
France still has other stars, like Antoine Griezmann, that can break apart Argentina, but losing some of Mbappé's chance creation could hurt Les Bleus. Griezmann is the only player with over 20 chances created in Qatar.
The attacking depth is as even as it could be. Each team has an in-form true striker in Giroud and Álvarez to support its superstar. The play of Messi, Mbappé, Giroud and Álvarez will determine the Golden Boot winner. Messi and Mbappé lead with five goals each, while Álvarez and Giroud have four goals.
If that even matchup translates to the field on Sunday, the defensive play will be the difference-maker, and that is where Argentina holds the edge for its performance over six games.
Lionel Messi: Argentina's Loss in 2022 World Cup Opener Propelled Run to Final
Dec 13, 2022
Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi waves at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football semi-final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 13, 2022. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina's opening match loss to Saudi Arabia was arguably the most stunning on-field development of the 2022 World Cup, but it apparently made the soccer powerhouse stronger ahead of a run to the final.
"Internally we were confident that we would make it because we know what we are capable of as a squad," Lionel Messi said after propelling his team to a 3-0 victory over Croatia in Tuesday's semifinal match, per James Olley of ESPN. "We lost in the first match due to fine details, but it helped us to be stronger."
Messi went on to call the entire situation "an acid test" for the team considering it essentially had to win out from there to clinch a spot in the knockout stage.
"This is a mental load because we knew things would be more complicated for us," Messi said. "We managed to win five finals, and I hope it will be this way for the final game."
Olley noted Spain became the only team in men's World Cup history to lose the opening match and then win the entire event when it accomplished such a feat in 2010. Argentina is just one win away from joining them after a brilliant showing from Messi.
The all-time great opened the scoring Tuesday with a well-struck penalty kick and assisted on Argentina's third goal following an incredible run. Julián Álvarez put home his perfectly placed set-up after also scoring the victor's second goal.
A World Cup title is the only glaring omission from Messi's legendary list of accomplishments, but that will change if he can inspire a victory over France or Morocco in Sunday's final.
Morocco is the underdog story of the tournament as the first African nation to reach the semifinals, while France is the reigning World Cup champion with the unstoppable Kylian Mbappé leading the charge.
Following the loss to Saudi Arabia, the journey for Messi's side has included victories over Mexico, Poland to close the group stage before advancing past Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia in the knockout rounds. The quarterfinal showdown with the Netherlands was the most dramatic, as they gave up a late 2-0 lead by conceding a goal deep into stoppage time before outlasting the Dutch in a penalty shootout.
Tuesday brought a much more complete effort and has Argentina one more win away from glory.
