If Lionel Messi does win his first World Cup title, it will be hard earned.
Messi and Argentina did what Neymar and Brazil could not Friday, surviving a late defensive collapse, a slew of yellow cards and penalty kicks to advance to the semifinals. After Lautaro Martinez converted the penalty that gave Argentina the win, Messi ran to the Albiceleste fans, grinning and pumping his fists before being swallowed up by his teammates.
Messi, arguably the greatest to ever play the game, is just two wins away from the one title that has eluded him.
And Brazil’s exit earlier in the day could provide him and Argentina with a clear opportunity. Rather than facing their South American rival in the semifinals Tuesday, Argentina will play Croatia, which has been living and dying on penalties at this World Cup and the last.
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