Lionel Messi was at his best as he guided Argentina to the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, in Qatar, as the 2014 runners-up beat Croatia 3-0 in the first semi-final on Wednesday (December 14). From the South American side, captain Messi was expected to lead the show in the vital clash and the 35-year-old stood tall by scoring the opening goal, courtesy of a penalty kick, and then provided a magical assist to&nbsp;Julian Alvarez in the 69th minute of the contest.

Talking about Messi's splendid pass,&nbsp;the Argentina captain covered a lot of distance by running from the half-way line on the right flank. He ran with the ball to the side of the penalty box with&nbsp;Croatia's&nbsp;young defender Josko Gvardiol following him all the way to snatch the ball from the legend. It seemed as if it would be improbable for Messi to get past the defender but he showed his class by taking a stunning turn away from the goalpost and switched back immediately to outfox the young gun and pass the ball to Alvarez, who provided the finishing touch.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-confirms-retirement-fifa-world-cup-2022-finals-will-be-his-last-542862">Lionel Messi confirms Qatar 2022 final will be his last World Cup appearance</a>

With Messi's blitz and Alvarez's touch, in the end, Argentina made it 3-0 versus the Luka Modric-led Croatia line-up before the final whistle took Argentina to the summit clash of the showpiece event, being held in the Middle East for the first time ever. The Qatar World Cup started on a disastrous note for Argentina as Messi &amp; Co. lost to Saudi Arabia by 2-0. Nonetheless, they have been on a winning streak since then and will hope to emerge on top one more time in the finale, which will be Messi's swansong at the World Cup.

Post the semi-final, Messi confirmed that the Qatar final will be his last WC appearance.&nbsp;"I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final," he said while talking to Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole.&nbsp;"It's many years for the next one and I don't think I'll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it's the best," added the Argentina captain.

Argentina are aiming to win their first-ever WC since 1986.

Lionel Messi was at his best as he guided Argentina to the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, in Qatar, as the 2014 runners-up beat Croatia 3-0 in the first semi-final on Wednesday (December 14).

Lionel Messi was at his best as he guided Argentina to the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, in Qatar, as the 2014 runners-up beat Croatia 3-0 in the first semi-final on Wednesday (December 14). From the South American side, captain Messi was expected to lead the show in the vital clash and the 35-year-old stood tall by scoring the opening goal, courtesy of a penalty kick, and then provided a magical assist to Julian Alvarez in the 69th minute of the contest. Talking about Messi's splendid pass, the Argentina captain covered a lot of distance by running from the half-way line on the right flank. He ran with the ball to the side of the penalty box with Croatia's young defender Josko Gvardiol following him all the way to snatch the ball from the legend. It seemed as if it would be improbable for Messi to get past the defender but he showed his class by taking a stunning turn away from the goalpost and switched back immediately to outfox the young gun and pass the ball to Alvarez, who provided the finishing touch. Also read: Lionel Messi confirms Qatar 2022 final will be his last World Cup appearance With Messi's blitz and Alvarez's touch, in the end, Argentina made it 3-0 versus the Luka Modric-led Croatia line-up before the final whistle took Argentina to the summit clash of the showpiece event, being held in the Middle East for the first time ever. The Qatar World Cup started on a disastrous note for Argentina as Messi & Co. lost to Saudi Arabia by 2-0. Nonetheless, they have been on a winning streak since then and will hope to emerge on top one more time in the finale, which will be Messi's swansong at the World Cup. Post the semi-final, Messi confirmed that the Qatar final will be his last WC appearance. "I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final," he said while talking to Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole. "It's many years for the next one and I don't think I'll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it's the best," added the Argentina captain. Argentina are aiming to win their first-ever WC since 1986.

Lionel Messi's splendid run & assist goes viral during Argentina's 3-0 win over Croatia in FIFA WC SF - Watch

Lionel Messi-starrer Argentina is set to take on Croatia in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition on Wednesday (December 14). Ahead of the match, Argentina head coach&nbsp;Lionel Scaloni gave a cryptic hint on Messi's international future after the end of the FIFA WC in Qatar. At 35, the Argentina skipper remains one of the biggest names in world football and almost single-handedly enabled his side to the last four after their 2-1 loss at the hands of Saudi Arabia in the group stage of the mega event.

Ahead of the Croatia clash, Scaloni said in a pre-match press conference, "We will hope he continues playing. Let's see if he does. We will keep enjoying him, that’s important for us and for the world of football."

"I know Messi and he was always like that, he was always a winner and he has pride and a big desire to continue playing football that makes us happy. And also because the first year was difficult in terms of adaptation and now, from what they explain to me, their life in Paris is perfect. The children are happy, he and his family, his wife too," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2022-semi-final-if-we-win-itd-be-the-greatest-croatian-match-ever-says-coach-zlatko-dalic-542446">FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi final: If we win, it'd be the greatest Croatian match ever, says coach Zlatko Dalic</a>

It is to be noted that before the FIFA WC's commencement,&nbsp;Messi, while&nbsp;in a conversation with Sebastian Vignolo on his show 'In First Person' on South American streaming service Star+, had revealed that this will be his last appearance in a World Cup. In addition, there have been rumours that the superstar footballer will hang up his boots from the international level&nbsp;following the FIFA WC in Qatar.&nbsp;

So far, Messi has been in sublime form in the ongoing marquee tournament and he will hope for taking his side to the final of the FIFA WC. Argentina face a daunting task as they face Croatia, who were the 2018 edition's runners-up.

Lionel Messi-starrer Argentina is set to take on Croatia in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition on Wednesday (December 14). Ahead of the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni gave a cryptic hint on Messi's international future after the end of the FIFA WC in Qatar.

Lionel Messi-starrer Argentina is set to take on Croatia in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition on Wednesday (December 14). Ahead of the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni gave a cryptic hint on Messi's international future after the end of the FIFA WC in Qatar. At 35, the Argentina skipper remains one of the biggest names in world football and almost single-handedly enabled his side to the last four after their 2-1 loss at the hands of Saudi Arabia in the group stage of the mega event. Ahead of the Croatia clash, Scaloni said in a pre-match press conference, "We will hope he continues playing. Let's see if he does. We will keep enjoying him, that’s important for us and for the world of football." "I know Messi and he was always like that, he was always a winner and he has pride and a big desire to continue playing football that makes us happy. And also because the first year was difficult in terms of adaptation and now, from what they explain to me, their life in Paris is perfect. The children are happy, he and his family, his wife too," he added. Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi final: If we win, it'd be the greatest Croatian match ever, says coach Zlatko Dalic It is to be noted that before the FIFA WC's commencement, Messi, while in a conversation with Sebastian Vignolo on his show 'In First Person' on South American streaming service Star+, had revealed that this will be his last appearance in a World Cup. In addition, there have been rumours that the superstar footballer will hang up his boots from the international level following the FIFA WC in Qatar. So far, Messi has been in sublime form in the ongoing marquee tournament and he will hope for taking his side to the final of the FIFA WC. Argentina face a daunting task as they face Croatia, who were the 2018 edition's runners-up.

'That's important for us...': Argentina coach gives cryptic hint on Lionel Messi's int'l future post FIFA WC

After a riveting group stage and Round of 16, the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022, in Qatar, lived up to expectations. The stage is now set for the semi-finals before the marquee finale takes place on December 18. Lionel Messi's Argentina, Luka Modric-led Croatia, underdogs Morocco, and defending champions France are alive in the competition and will hope to get past the semi-final stage to reach the summit clash.

Ahead of the first semi-final, between 2018 runners-up Croatia and Argentina, Indian men's current football coach Igor Stimac spilled the beans on the clash, addressed the referee controversy in the quarters, and revealed why he is backing his national team Croatia to end Messi's WC dreams during an exclusive interaction with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo. Excerpts:&nbsp;

Your take on back-to-back WC semis for Croatia?

Yeah, definitely a big moment. Second consecutive time for a country whom not many gave a chance. To date, Croatia have the lowest rate of expectations globally of standing any chance of going through the semis or winning the World Cup title. Most of them are very surprised with Croatia being here in the semis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-vs-croatia-fifa-world-cup-sf-1-broadcast-tv-and-ott-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-542622">Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup, SF 1 Broadcast TV and OTT-Live Streaming: When and where to watch?</a>

PREDICTION KING

It is to be noted that Stimac had rightly predicted the semi-finals of the Qatar 2022 edition. Some time back, he had tweeted saying, "My predictions generally never go wrong. As I don’t like to guess but think with the combination of mind &amp; heart! IDEMO Hrvatska!"

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My predictions generally never go wrong. As i doesn’t like to guess but think with the combination of mind &amp; heart! IDEMO Hrvatska 💪🏻🇭🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Sports18?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sports18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jiostudios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jiostudios</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HNS_CFF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HNS_CFF</a> <a href="https://t.co/6jrPgBldE4">https://t.co/6jrPgBldE4</a> <a href="https://t.co/qFkRa14Abw">pic.twitter.com/qFkRa14Abw</a>
— Igor Štimac (@stimac_igor) <a href="https://twitter.com/stimac_igor/status/1602298371422576640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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'Croatian team is master of working football'

Prior to our quarter-final game versus Brazil, an English journalist -- for whom&nbsp;I've a feeling was born in Croatia and living with us through our momentum and through the past decades -- said that Croatian team is master of working football. It is very interesting. It said that there is no team in the world as Croatia which can bring you down to its space and suck you in. That's exactly what has happened with our opponents in this WC.

On Croatia's spectacular win over Brazil in the QFs

Stimac stated, "We have the best midfield line in the world. So many teams will be outplayed. We have far better midfield line than Argentina. In each aspect of the game, technically and tactically, Croatia is very strong. If you ask me what is the strength of this Croatian side? I will say: confidence, mental strength and resilience."

How has Croatia reached this far?

We are talking about collective team game, we are not taking about individual performances. The team is winning the games for us. Only great teams can expose any individuals. One great individual cannot take the team too far.

How to beat Argentina: The referee angle

Apart from keeping our momentum and style, we need to be very careful with the referee today. That's our main worry as we could clearly see what was happening in their last game, versus the Netherlands in the quarters (Spain's Antonio Mateu Lahoz&nbsp;was slammed&nbsp;for making questionable decisions as he issued as many as total of 15 yellow cards in the intense clash). I would be worried about not the game today but for football globally. I wouldn't like the referee to decide the fate of the contest today. We need to behave well and not give any reason whatsoever to help Argentina today.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-why-messi-could-be-suspended-from-fifa-world-cup-2022-semifinal-clash-against-croatia-542528">EXPLAINED: Why could Messi be suspended from FIFA World Cup 2022 semifinal clash against Croatia?</a>

Modric vs Messi

The clash will be a face-off between two modern-day greats in the form of Messi and Modric. Both have had a stellar run in international football and are on the verge&nbsp;of reaching the final in what is likely to be their last WC appearance. They have a lot of similarities as well. Messi, with&nbsp;95 goals in 170 internationals, was the best player in his side's second-spot finish in the 2014 edition. Modric was the best performer in 2018 when Croatia created history by reaching the finale. Who will make the difference today?

In this regard, Stimac opined, "I can clearly see Modric in a far better momentum as compared since the last four years. There are so many symphathies with Messi all over the world and most of the global pollution wants to see him lift the trophy but to do so, he will need to have the best game of his life. I don't think the Croatians will allow him to do."

Any pressure on favourites Argentina and France?

"You can clearly see that Argentina isn't accepting the role of favourites for today's game. They are giving it back to Croatia. They are not enjoying this (laughs). Anyway, we are not under pressure. We know what we need to do on the pitch. That's the most important thing," signed off Stimac.

After a riveting group stage and Round of 16, the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022, in Qatar, lived up to expectations. The stage is now set for the semi-finals before the marquee finale takes place on December 18.

After a riveting group stage and Round of 16, the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022, in Qatar, lived up to expectations. The stage is now set for the semi-finals before the marquee finale takes place on December 18. Lionel Messi's Argentina, Luka Modric-led Croatia, underdogs Morocco, and defending champions France are alive in the competition and will hope to get past the semi-final stage to reach the summit clash. Ahead of the first semi-final, between 2018 runners-up Croatia and Argentina, Indian men's current football coach Igor Stimac spilled the beans on the clash, addressed the referee controversy in the quarters, and revealed why he is backing his national team Croatia to end Messi's WC dreams during an exclusive interaction with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo. Excerpts: Your take on back-to-back WC semis for Croatia? Yeah, definitely a big moment. Second consecutive time for a country whom not many gave a chance. To date, Croatia have the lowest rate of expectations globally of standing any chance of going through the semis or winning the World Cup title. Most of them are very surprised with Croatia being here in the semis. Also read: Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup, SF 1 Broadcast TV and OTT-Live Streaming: When and where to watch? PREDICTION KING It is to be noted that Stimac had rightly predicted the semi-finals of the Qatar 2022 edition. Some time back, he had tweeted saying, "My predictions generally never go wrong. As I don’t like to guess but think with the combination of mind & heart! IDEMO Hrvatska!" My predictions generally never go wrong. As i doesn’t like to guess but think with the combination of mind & heart! IDEMO Hrvatska 💪🏻🇭🇷 @Sports18 @jiostudios @HNS_CFF https://t.co/6jrPgBldE4 pic.twitter.com/qFkRa14Abw — Igor Štimac (@stimac_igor) December 12, 2022 × 'Croatian team is master of working football' Prior to our quarter-final game versus Brazil, an English journalist -- for whom I've a feeling was born in Croatia and living with us through our momentum and through the past decades -- said that Croatian team is master of working football. It is very interesting. It said that there is no team in the world as Croatia which can bring you down to its space and suck you in. That's exactly what has happened with our opponents in this WC. On Croatia's spectacular win over Brazil in the QFs Stimac stated, "We have the best midfield line in the world. So many teams will be outplayed. We have far better midfield line than Argentina. In each aspect of the game, technically and tactically, Croatia is very strong. If you ask me what is the strength of this Croatian side? I will say: confidence, mental strength and resilience." How has Croatia reached this far? We are talking about collective team game, we are not taking about individual performances. The team is winning the games for us. Only great teams can expose any individuals. One great individual cannot take the team too far. How to beat Argentina: The referee angle Apart from keeping our momentum and style, we need to be very careful with the referee today. That's our main worry as we could clearly see what was happening in their last game, versus the Netherlands in the quarters (Spain's Antonio Mateu Lahoz was slammed for making questionable decisions as he issued as many as total of 15 yellow cards in the intense clash). I would be worried about not the game today but for football globally. I wouldn't like the referee to decide the fate of the contest today. We need to behave well and not give any reason whatsoever to help Argentina today. Also read: EXPLAINED: Why could Messi be suspended from FIFA World Cup 2022 semifinal clash against Croatia? Modric vs Messi The clash will be a face-off between two modern-day greats in the form of Messi and Modric. Both have had a stellar run in international football and are on the verge of reaching the final in what is likely to be their last WC appearance. They have a lot of similarities as well. Messi, with 95 goals in 170 internationals, was the best player in his side's second-spot finish in the 2014 edition. Modric was the best performer in 2018 when Croatia created history by reaching the finale. Who will make the difference today? In this regard, Stimac opined, "I can clearly see Modric in a far better momentum as compared since the last four years. There are so many symphathies with Messi all over the world and most of the global pollution wants to see him lift the trophy but to do so, he will need to have the best game of his life. I don't think the Croatians will allow him to do." Any pressure on favourites Argentina and France? "You can clearly see that Argentina isn't accepting the role of favourites for today's game. They are giving it back to Croatia. They are not enjoying this (laughs). Anyway, we are not under pressure. We know what we need to do on the pitch. That's the most important thing," signed off Stimac.

Exclusive: Croatia will restrict Lionel Messi from having the best game of his life in SF 1, says Igor Stimac

We have moved into the final week of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. A tournament that saw almost everything - from great wins to greater upsets, from controversies to blissful moments, from some fantastic goals to superb saves, from Portugal bowing out in the quarters to Argentina entering the semis.&nbsp;However, a lot is still there on offer for the fans in this final week. Here in this piece, we will know more about the schedule, match timings, venues and when and where to enjoy the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Final week schedule, match timings, when and where to watch

As all the quarterfinals matches are now over, four teams – Croatia, Argentina, Morocco and France have cruised through to the semi finals. While Croatia managed to enter the semis for the successive time, Argentina reached the last four for the first time since 2014. Morocco, the most exciting yet defensively strong team became the first African nation to qualify for the semi finals, whereas, France edged past England to reach final four.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jude-bellingham-achraf-hakimi-among-others-credit-mothers-love-for-success-in-qatar-world-cup-see-images-542015">Jude Bellingham, Achraf Hakimi among others credit mothers’ love for success in Qatar World Cup, see images</a>

Along with two semi finals, two more matches will also take place this week - the match for 3rd-4th place and the mega final. As the schedule for the semis is already out, let’s have a look at who is playing who for a spot in the finals.

How many matches will take place in the final week of FIFA World Cup 2022?

Four matches will take place in the final week of FIFA World Cup 2022 – Two semi finals, one match for the 3rd-4th place and the final.

Schedule, timings and venues of all matches in final week

The first semi final will take place between Croatia and Argentina at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday, December 14th at 00:30 AM IST, while the second semi final will take place between Morocco and France at the Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday, December 15th at 00:30 AM IST.

The match to determine 3rd and 4th placed teams will take place on Saturday, December 17th at 20:30 PM IST at the Khalifa International Stadium.

The final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 will take place on Sunday, December 18th at 20:30 PM IST at the Lusail Stadium.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-think-we-should-be-speaking-about-referees-gareth-southgate-after-englands-wc-exit-542038">‘I don't think we should be speaking about referees’ – Gareth Southgate after England’s WC exit</a>

Where can we watch the matches?

The fans in India can follow the live coverage of all the matches in the final week of FIFA World Cup 2022 on Sports18 channel on TV and those who wish to do live-streaming can follow the matches on JioCinema app.

We have moved into the final week of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. A tournament that saw almost everything - from great wins to greater upsets, from controversies to blissful moments, from some fantastic goals to superb saves, from Portugal bowing out in the quarters to Argentina entering the semis.

We have moved into the final week of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. A tournament that saw almost everything - from great wins to greater upsets, from controversies to blissful moments, from some fantastic goals to superb saves, from Portugal bowing out in the quarters to Argentina entering the semis. However, a lot is still there on offer for the fans in this final week. Here in this piece, we will know more about the schedule, match timings, venues and when and where to enjoy the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2022. FIFA World Cup 2022: Final week schedule, match timings, when and where to watch As all the quarterfinals matches are now over, four teams – Croatia, Argentina, Morocco and France have cruised through to the semi finals. While Croatia managed to enter the semis for the successive time, Argentina reached the last four for the first time since 2014. Morocco, the most exciting yet defensively strong team became the first African nation to qualify for the semi finals, whereas, France edged past England to reach final four. ALSO READ: Jude Bellingham, Achraf Hakimi among others credit mothers’ love for success in Qatar World Cup, see images Along with two semi finals, two more matches will also take place this week - the match for 3rd-4th place and the mega final. As the schedule for the semis is already out, let’s have a look at who is playing who for a spot in the finals. How many matches will take place in the final week of FIFA World Cup 2022? Four matches will take place in the final week of FIFA World Cup 2022 – Two semi finals, one match for the 3rd-4th place and the final. Schedule, timings and venues of all matches in final week The first semi final will take place between Croatia and Argentina at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday, December 14th at 00:30 AM IST, while the second semi final will take place between Morocco and France at the Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday, December 15th at 00:30 AM IST. The match to determine 3rd and 4th placed teams will take place on Saturday, December 17th at 20:30 PM IST at the Khalifa International Stadium. The final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 will take place on Sunday, December 18th at 20:30 PM IST at the Lusail Stadium. ALSO READ: ‘I don't think we should be speaking about referees’ – Gareth Southgate after England’s WC exit Where can we watch the matches? The fans in India can follow the live coverage of all the matches in the final week of FIFA World Cup 2022 on Sports18 channel on TV and those who wish to do live-streaming can follow the matches on JioCinema app.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Final week schedule, matches, timings, when and where to watch