Lionel Messi is on a par with Diego Maradona and deserves to lift the World Cup for the first time on Sunday, believes his former Argentina team-mate Javier Zanetti.

Argentina will appear in their sixth World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, when they will look to prevent France from becoming the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

Messi will claim the World Cup appearance record outright by playing his 26th and likely final game at the tournament, while he could become the first player to record 20 goal contributions in the competition (currently 11 goals, eight assists).

The Argentina captain's talismanic displays in Qatar have been compared with those of Maradona during the Albiceleste's 1986 triumph, and Zanetti cannot split the legendary duo.

"Messi is a great player, I think he's on a par with Diego," he told reporters in Doha on Thursday.

"I think a lot of people want Messi to win because of what he represents in the world and because of the way he interprets football.

"Leo deserves it and the boys are making a great effort to get to that moment. He is the strongest player in the world and he makes a difference on the field."

However, the Inter great is not taking victory for granted, adding: "I hope that Argentina can bring the World Cup to our country. 

"I'm worried about [Kylian] Mbappe, [Antoine] Griezmann, [Olivier] Giroud, if [Adrien] Rabiot plays he is a quality player, and they have a great goalkeeper. 

"It's a group that has been working for a long time with this coach. It's a very complete team, very organised. But it's a final and anything can happen."

Meanwhile, fellow former Argentina international Diego Milito hailed Messi's displays as he said both sides were deserving of their place in the final.

"We know him, we know what he is capable of, that he is the best player in the world," Milito said of Messi. "He is having an extraordinary World Cup and he deserves it.

"The best two teams reached the final. It's a very difficult match but we are confident in the team.

"We are happy to be able to be in the final. Hopefully this Sunday will be a good final and we can achieve what we have been looking forward to for a long time. 

"This team has given much joy to the people, they have come on a path from the [2021] Copa America, and must be very happy and excited."

Fabio Capello praised the performances of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe for Argentina and France in their respective World Cup semi-finals, but suggested the former has largely been below par at Qatar 2022.

The Paris Saint-Germain team-mates have been the headline stars of the tournament, and will face off in Sunday's final in Qatar with the trophy on the line.

For Messi, it is the chance to collect the major honour that has eluded him throughout his career, while for Mbappe it is an opportunity to defend the crown he won in Russia in 2018.

Former England boss Capello had kind words for both men, saying they were key figures in steering their sides through with wins over Croatia and Morocco respectively.

"Messi and Mbappe made the difference [in their semi-finals]," he said.

"Messi produced a great game and Mbappe arrived decisively twice near the goal, his two shots caused two deflections and they won against Morocco."

Capello does believe Messi had not always shown a spark before his impressive semi-final showcase against Croatia, though.

"Messi is back to being Messi," he added. "That only applies to the Argentina-Croatia game, though. Before that match, he just walked around the pitch."

Capello has enjoyed the World Cup and thinks its timing has been an important boost to the spectacle.

The Italian added: "It's been a good World Cup. The coaches did not give space to their opponents and I've seen great attention to detail. 

"The players arrived fresh and ran a lot. Players arrived in the middle of the current season, so they were all fresh.

"We have seen a [World Cup] of running and a good level of competition, different to when the World Cup is usually held in June when the players are tired.

"The two sides in the final are the teams who were able to reach another level technically. I think it's going to be very difficult for either side to win. I don't know how it's going to end."

Messi and Mbappe are tied in the race for the Golden Boot with five goals apiece heading into their final game of the tournament.

Theo Hernandez defiantly stated Lionel Messi does not scare France, while Olivier Giroud is intent on denying the Argentina legend a dream World Cup swansong in Sunday's final.

Les Bleus are on the cusp of defending the title they won in Russia four years ago after a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Morocco in Wednesday's second semi-final.

The showpiece fixture will be Messi's final World Cup game and, at least for the football romantics, would be seen as a fitting send-off for one of the all-time greats.

But France will have little time for sentiment as they aim to be crowned world champions for the third time and Milan full-back Hernandez said Les Bleus are not fearful of Argentina's talisman – who was star of the show in La Albiceleste's own last-four triumph over Croatia.

"Now we must think about the final, I am tired but it's so good to win a World Cup semi-final," Hernandez said in quotes reported by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Now we must recover for Sunday, we are not scared of Messi, but Argentina are an incredible team and we have a few days to work."

Giroud, who during the tournament has become France's all-time leading goalscorer, was part of the side that defeated Argentina 4-3 in the round of 16 at Russia 2018.

In that game, N'Golo Kante – missing in Qatar through injury – was tasked with a man-marking job on Messi, whose five goals at this tournament are matched only by Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe.

Giroud gave little away as to whether a similar tactic will be employed but said the whole collective will do their part to deny Messi the biggest prize of his illustrious career.

"Messi is an incredible player, but we are not going to let him enjoy the best night he can have," he said.

"We want to win this game. We want to win another World Cup – and we will try everything to stop him. 

"But there is not only Messi in that team. They have got great players who work for the team also. I think that is why they are so strong.

"I don't know if we need a special plan. I remember back in the days of 2018, N'Golo was all the game on his back, behind him. But this time I don't know what will be the plan. We will see with the manager."

Playing Lionel Messi in the World Cup final is a "totally different proposition", according to France's Antoine Griezmann after his team secured their place in Sunday's showpiece match.

France ended Morocco's fairytale run with a 2-0 semi-final victory as goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani sent Les Bleus through to a second consecutive World Cup final.

Didier Deschamps' side could become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain international football's top prize, having lifted the trophy in Russia in 2018.

But standing in their way is Messi's Argentina, who cruised past Croatia on Tuesday to clinch their spot in a sixth World Cup final, with only Germany having been in the tournament's deciding match on more occasions.

Messi has broken record after record in Qatar, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's top World Cup goalscorer while he is set to become the tournament's highest all-time appearance holder if he plays on Sunday.

With the final against France likely representing the last opportunity for Messi to finally get his hands on the World Cup trophy, Griezmann acknowledged it will be a tough task to slow down La Albiceleste.

"Any team with Messi in is a totally different proposition," Griezmann told reporters at his post-match news conference.

"All of the matches we have seen Argentina play, we know how they play - they are difficult.

"They seem to be on top form, there isn’t only Messi - they have a strong side around him.

"We know it is going to be a tough game and they are going to have the support of the crowd.

"We will get back to working tomorrow and see how we can hurt them, we will be well prepared."

France and Argentina played out a seven-goal thriller at the 2018 World Cup, with Les Bleus' 4-3 triumph sending them on to eventual glory.

Messi failed to get on the scoresheet in that encounter, but Deschamps is fully aware of the threat the Paris Saint-Germain forward will pose on Sunday at Lusail Stadium.

"Lionel Messi has been in scintillating form since the beginning of the tournament," Deschamps said. "Four years ago, things were different of course.

"He actually played as a centre-forward against us then, which caught us by surprise. Now he is playing in a tandem just behind the centre-forward.

"He is picking up the ball, running with it and looking in great form. He is one of the best players in the world and he has shown that.

"We are going to try and counter Messi’s threat and try to stop him influencing the game. Of course, Argentina are going to do the same to my players and they are a different side to the one we faced four years ago."

Lionel Messi deserves to lift the World Cup and will lead Argentina to glory in Sunday's final, according to Brazil's 2002 champion Rivaldo.

Messi produced another remarkable performance as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 in Tuesday's semi-final, opening the scoring from the penalty spot before laying on a goal for Julian Alvarez after a fine solo run.

On the day he equalled Lothar Matthaus' all-time record of 25 World Cup appearances, Messi became the first player to score and assist in four games at the competition.

Messi's 11th World Cup goal also made him the Albiceleste's record goalscorer at the tournament, and with Brazil having fallen at the quarter-final stage, Rivaldo hopes Messi captures the trophy.

"We no longer have Brazil or Neymar in this cup final, so I'll stay with Argentina. No words for you Leo Messi," Rivaldo wrote on Instagram.

"You already deserved to be world champion before, but God knows all things and will crown you this Sunday. 

"You deserve this title for the person you are and for the wonderful football you always played. Hats off to you. God bless you."

Messi's penalty on Tuesday also made him the first Argentina player to score in five games at a single World Cup, with Poland the only side to prevent him from netting in Qatar. 

Taking to Instagram after the win, Messi wrote: "We came back to gain strength to play another great match. 

"Thank you very much to everyone who trusted this group! Come on Argentina!"

Lionel Messi will be fit and raring to go for Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final, team-mate Emiliano Martinez has said.

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi was in sensational form as La Albiceleste defeated Croatia 3-0 in Tuesday's semi-final in Qatar, scoring the opener from the penalty spot and assisting Julian Alvarez's second after a dizzying run.

There were some concerns for Argentina supporters when Messi clutched at his hamstring during the early stages of the contest.

But goalkeeper Martinez is confident it was just the toll of accumulated minutes, with Argentina having required extra time and penalties to defeat the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

"No, no [he's not injured]," Martinez said.

"We played 120 minutes against Holland, it was a hard game for him, but you can see he wants to finish every game. Physically he's really good and he's man of the match every game."

Argentina's run to the final was fraught with difficulty after they were stunningly beaten by Saudi Arabia in their opening group game.

Indeed, it needed some genius from Messi to inspire a 2-0 win over Mexico in their following match, a result that sparked Lionel Scaloni's men into life in Qatar.

Martinez is of the opinion everyone outside of Argentina wanted to see them fail in that fixture.

"I can't believe it we lost the first game all of sudden everything was upside down we lost the 36-game unbeaten run," the Aston Villa keeper added.

"Mexico the first half was a bit sloppy everyone wanted us to lose, everyone wanted us to lose. We're all fighters and we've got 45million Argentinians all behind us.

"We feel the crowd on the streets every time we play we feel like we are at home we are so happy to have them."

Argentina will face the victor of the semi-final, which pits defending champions France against surprise package Morocco.

Martinez has no preference over who they face in the showpiece fixture.

"They both had an incredible run they both different teams both really whoever comes it's a World Cup final and know it's going to be hard," he said.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi confirmed that Sunday's final against Morocco or France will be his last World Cup appearance as he seeks to bow out in style.

The 35-year-old played a leading role in Argentina's 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia with a goal and an assist.

Messi, a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, had previously indicated this would be his last World Cup finals, which he reinforced after Tuesday's triumph.

"I am proud to be able to finish my World Cup journey playing this final," Messi told reporters. "What I'm experiencing is exciting. Sunday will be my last game in a World Cup.

"It will be many years before the next one [2026] and I don't think I'll be able to make it, so I hope I can finish in the best way."

Messi's goal against Croatia meant he became his country's all-time leading scorer at World Cups, with his 11th strike seeing him move past Gabriel Batistuta.

The goal was also Messi's 16th for Argentina in 2022, the most international strikes of any calendar year across his entire career.

"I'm enjoying it all very much," Messi said about the 2022 World Cup. "I feel good. I feel strong to face every game. We have been making a big sacrifice.

"The last game we played was with extra time. That was not easy at all. We were tired, but the group got strength. We played a very important game. We knew it was going to be the match it was.

"I'm very happy. Throughout this World Cup I've been having a lot of fun and, luckily, I was able to help the group to get things done."

Messi will be gunning for the ultimate crowning glory with his maiden World Cup title on Sunday, having played in 2014 when La Albiceleste were runners-up.

Argentina are into their sixth World Cup final, with only Germany (eight) having reached more in the competition.

Luis Suarez has hailed "best in the world" Lionel Messi after his former Barcelona teammate helped Argentina qualify for the 2022 World Cup final.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 34th minute and set up Julian Alvarez's second goal in the 69th minute to round out an impressive 3-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner now has a shot at his first World Cup title, and Argentina's first since Diego Maradona led them to glory in 1986, with Messi having been a runner-up in 2014 when Germany edged La Albiceleste 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro.

"You never get tired of showing that you are the best in the world," Suarez, who spent six years with Messi at Barcelona from 2014 to 2020, wrote on Instagram.

"The whole world stops to applaud this guy and what he's given to football. Incredible my friend!"

Vanquished Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who was a long-time adversary of Messi with Real Madrid in La Liga, said the Argentinian deserves to lift the World Cup.

"Hopefully [Messi] wins this World Cup, he is the best player in history and he deserves it," Modric told reporters after the game.

Argentina will play the final on Sunday against either reigning world champions France or Morocco, who will meet at Al Bayt Stadium in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi is the walking proof that you can't keep a good man down as he heads for another World Cup final, according to Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero.

Eight years since Messi and Argentina were left heartbroken by defeat to Germany at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, another shot at football's greatest prize awaits on Sunday.

The Albiceleste coasted to a 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia on Tuesday, with Messi's penalty followed by a Julian Alvarez double.

Messi was typically excellent, setting up Alvarez's second goal by dancing past Josko Gvardiol, and it will be the captain to whom Argentina look for inspiration in the final against France or Morocco.

At the age of 35, the Paris Saint-Germain forward could be about to experience his career's crowning glory.

Defender Romero said: "Leo's of course a wonderful player, but more than that he's a reference and he's somebody who is a personality, who is always going for more.

"He's been hit so many times and every time he gets back up again and goes for more and he has the strength to do that. He won a Copa America, he's a benchmark like others, [Angel] Di María, Kun [Sergio Aguero], who is no longer here."

Messi has matched the record of the most appearances in World Cups, the 25 previously held alone by Lothar Matthaus.

He is also now Argentina's record World Cup scorer with 11 goals, one more than Gabriel Batistuta.

Having such a figure as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in the ranks is inevitably uplifting for Argentina, who are seeking their first World Cup triumph since 1986 when the similarly inspirational Diego Maradona was pulling the strings.

Romero added: "You put your life into this, to bring the trophy home. We're here to deliver. It was shown once again that we are lions. No matter what happens on Sunday, we are going to give all we've got to bring the cup home."

Zlatko Dalic conceded Lionel Messi had produced the performance Croatia "expected to see" after the Argentina great ended their World Cup dream.

Messi played a starring role in denying Dalic's side a second successive final appearance, scoring and providing an assist as the Albiceleste enjoyed a 3-0 victory in Tuesday's semi-final.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward's heroics did not come as a great surprise to the Croatia head coach, who plans to remain in charge of the team until his contract expires in 2024.

However, Dalic acknowledges several players from this generation will not be available by the 2026 finals, with his 37-year-old captain Luka Modric likely to be among them.

"Nothing much needs to be said about Messi's qualities," he said. "In the past 15 years, he's probably the best player in the world, and today again, he was very good and dangerous.

"He made the difference in quality for the Argentina team. He had this explosiveness and technique at a very high-level performance. It's the true Messi we expected to see.

"This is perhaps the end of this generation in World Cups, a couple of them have reached an age and the World Cup in 2026 – we have to wait and see what happens then.

"We've had great achievements for the Croatia national team, and a lot of players with a lot of potential.

"I believe this generation will finish their careers with Euro 2024. We have the Nations League finals, and it's an excellent generation that reached the semi-finals twice in a row. 

"It would have been great to have won the gold medal to crown this generation."

When asked if he would remain at the helm, Dalic added: "I will continue my contract until 2024 and the European Championships and, in six months, we have the Nations League [finals].

"Then, we have the qualification for the World Cup. My plan and objective is to take Croatia to Euro 2024."

Mateo Kovacic believes two "cardinal mistakes" from referee Daniele Orsato cost Croatia in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina.

Croatia's bid to reach a second consecutive World Cup final came to an end as Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez starred at Lusail Stadium, with the latter scoring twice in Argentina's 3-0 win.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Alvarez collided with goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, and Kovacic was booked for dissent as several Croatia players protested the decision.

Less than a minute before Livakovic's foul, Croatia were denied a corner when Ivan Perisic's deflected shot looped onto the roof of Emiliano Martinez's net, leaving Kovacic in disbelief. 

"I can't believe it's not a corner," the Chelsea midfielder told reporters after the game. "Then the penalty... 

"I have never commented on the referees nor is it my intention to do so, but these are two cardinal mistakes, and they cost you."

Kovacic's midfield partner Luka Modric concurred, insisting Croatia were in the ascendency before the penalty was awarded.

"The first goal, it was not a penalty, that's my opinion. It stressed us a little bit. Half a minute before that it was supposed to be a corner and we were not awarded one," he said.

"I think after the penalty, it changed the whole match. Before the penalty, we were the ones controlling the game. 

"Maybe we were not so dangerous in front of their goal, but we were the ones in possession, controlling the ball. 

"Unfortunately the penalty changed everything, a penalty I'd never have called in this match. I'm so upset they called this type of penalty against us."

However, Modric did acknowledge Argentina were deserved victors, adding: "We lost the game, that happens. We just have to congratulate Argentina. They were the better team today, they for sure deserved it more than us."

Meanwhile, Kovacic credited Messi for another outstanding performance as the 35-year-old became the first player to both score and assist in four separate World Cup games.

Messi teed up Alvarez for his second goal after beating Josko Gvardiol twice in the same move, while the Manchester City forward's first strike came at the end of his own impressive solo run.

"We knew they were aggressive and good and that they had Messi," Kovacic said. "He was phenomenal and should be congratulated.

"Those two situations are incredible, we conceded two ridiculous goals."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has "no doubt" Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time after inspiring La Albiceleste's progression to the World Cup final.

Messi was in irresistible form on Tuesday at Lusail Stadium, playing a key role in all three goals as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 in Qatar 2022's first semi-final.

He opened the scoring from the spot in the first half after Julian Alvarez was fouled by Dominik Livakovic and then released his strike partner in the build-up to him making it 2-0.

But the best was yet to come.

With 21 minutes to go, Messi embarked on a tremendous run up the right flank as he darted past Josko Gvardiol before then beating the defender again on the outside and eventually cutting back to Alvarez for a simple finish.

Messi became the first player to both score and assist in four separate World Cup matches (since 1966), while his penalty saw the 35-year-old become Argentina's all-time leading scorer in the tournament with 11 goals.

For some, Messi's claim to the 'greatest player of all time' title rides on him winning the World Cup, but not for Scaloni.

He told reporters: "Whether Messi is the greatest player of all time… sometimes as Argentinians it of course looks like we say that just because we are Argentinian.

"Maybe it's selfish. I don't have any doubt saying that: he is the best in history.

"I have the privilege. I am honoured to train him and see him play. It's something exciting because every time you see him play, it's a huge source of motivation for his team-mates, the people, the whole world.

"So there is nothing left to say about Messi. It's indeed a privilege to have him in the squad."

While Messi is of course the headline act and the focus for many, Alvarez more than played his part on Tuesday.

His goals will lead to praise, but Scaloni was keen to highlight how important his general work rate and industriousness were for the team effort.

"The match of Julian was excellent, not just because of his two goals, but because he was extremely helpful with the midfielders," Scaloni explained.

"Sometimes we had two midfielders because the others had to cover other players, they had to cover the flanks, and he showcased excellent football [intelligence].

"With his age, [his work ethic] is normal because he wants to give everything on the pitch. What you say to him, he shows it on the pitch.

"We are very happy with him because he was able to score goals, which is something great especially for a striker like him."

Scaloni will emulate some legendary figures of Argentinian football in Cesar Luis Menotti, Carlos Bilardo and Alejandro Sabella by coaching the Albiceleste in the World Cup final.

But he still does not feel worthy of being considered on their level.

"Yes, to reach the final is amazing, but I can't make comparisons with these three names because they are history in the national team," he added.

"They've defended these colours. They made Argentina a great nation. Yes, it's a great source of pride for me to be able to play a final and represent my country.

"But I can't rise to this perch because they made history in the world of football, not only in Argentina.

"For me, just to coach this final is a huge privilege."

Argentina will play the final on Sunday against either France or Morocco, who will tussle at Al Bayt Stadium in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi hailed Argentina's resilience after his majestic display against Croatia ensured a World Cup that began with defeat to Saudi Arabia could end in glory.

Messi recorded a goal and an assist as Argentina posted a 3-0 win over Croatia at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday to reach their sixth World Cup final – a tally only bettered by Germany (eight).

Having opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half, Messi rolled back the years with a remarkable assist as Julian Alvarez completed his brace after the break, beating Josko Gvardiol twice before teeing up a simple finish for the Manchester City forward.

Messi now has the chance to cap his incredible career by lifting football's biggest prize, a prospect that appeared unlikely when Argentina lost their Group C opener three weeks ago.

The 35-year-old reflected on that surprise defeat after Tuesday's victory, saying Argentina channelled their disappointment to rescue their tournament.

"I'd say the first game was a hard blow for all of us because we had been unbeaten in 36 matches. To start it like that was a hard blow," Messi said in a post-match press conference.

"We didn't think we'd lose to Saudi. It was an acid test, but we've shown how strong we are.

"It was very difficult what we did, because every match has been a final and this brings a mental load. We were aware if we didn't win then everything would be more complicated. 

"We've played five finals and, luckily enough, been able to win them. I hope this will be the same for the final. Internally we were confident we'd make it as we know what we are capable of. 

"Yes, we lost the first match because of fine details, but that helped us to be stronger and to grow in the tournament and internally as a squad."

Croatia bested Argentina's rivals Brazil in a tense penalty shoot-out in the previous round, but Messi felt the Albiceleste's intelligence and willingness to "suffer" was the key against experienced opponents.

"I would say this squad, beyond the collective strengths, is very intelligent and wise, we know how to read the game and every moment," Messi said.

"It's something the coach said before, it's a very intelligent squad. We know when to suffer, when to press. We know how to read the games, we know what to do in every moment, how to win." 

Messi has now recorded eight goal involvements (five goals, three assists) in Qatar, moving ahead of Kylian Mbappe (five goals, two assists) prior to France's semi-final meeting with Morocco, and he is enjoying every minute of the campaign.

"Well, what I can say is I'm enjoying this a lot, I'm feeling really good, I feel strong enough to face every match," Messi added.

"The previous game was a big sacrifice, it went to extra time, that wasn't easy. Today we're tired, but we pooled our strengths to earn this victory.  

"Personally, I can say I feel very happy in this whole World Cup, I'm enjoying it a lot, and luckily I am able to help the whole squad make things happen."

Lionel Messi revealed "I don't know if it's my best World Cup" after his inspirational performance against Croatia helped Argentina reach another final.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before providing a remarkable assist for Julian Alvarez's second goal at Lusail Stadium, where Lionel Scaloni's side will face France or Morocco in the showpiece on Sunday.

The Argentina captain has now found the net five times in Qatar – moving him level with Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

The 35-year-old surpassed his tally of four when he guided his nation to the final in 2014, where he won the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player despite narrowly missing out on glory following a 1-0 defeat to Germany.

"I feel a lot of things, it's very exciting to see all this," said Messi, who also became the World Cup's joint-leading appearance maker in history (25 – level with Lothar Matthaus).

"Seeing the people, the family throughout the World Cup was incredible. We're going for the last game, which was what we wanted.

"I don't know if it's my best World Cup or not. I've been enjoying this for a while. We were confident that this group was going to pull it off. We know who we are, and we asked people to believe in us.

"We have been through tough situations, others very good. Today, we live something spectacular. I am enjoying with all these people and with all the Argentines who are in our country. I imagine it must be crazy.

"We knew we weren't the top candidates, but we weren't going to give anything to anyone. We were demonstrating it game-by-game. Argentina is, once again, in the final of the world. Enjoy!"

Lionel Messi revealed "I don't know if it's my best World Cup" after his inspirational performance against Croatia helped Argentina reach another final.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before providing a remarkable assist for Julian Alvarez's second goal at Lusail Stadium, where Lionel Scaloni's side will face France or Morocco in the showpiece on Sunday.

The Argentina captain has now found the net five times in Qatar – moving him level with Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

The 35-year-old surpassed his tally of four when he guided his nation to the final in 2014, where he won the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player despite narrowly missing out on glory following a 1-0 defeat to Germany.

"I feel a lot of things, it's very exciting to see all this," said Messi, who also became the World Cup's joint-leading appearance maker in history (25 – level with Lothar Matthaus).

"Seeing the people, the family throughout the World Cup was incredible. We're going for the last game, which was what we wanted.

"I don't know if it's my best World Cup or not. I've been enjoying this for a while. We were confident that this group was going to pull it off. We know who we are, and we asked people to believe in us.

"We have been through tough situations, others very good. Today, we live something spectacular. I am enjoying with all these people and with all the Argentines who are in our country. I imagine it must be crazy.

"We knew we weren't the top candidates, but we weren't going to give anything to anyone. We were demonstrating it game-by-game. Argentina is, once again, in the final of the world. Enjoy!"