Argentina played a team possessed as they thrashed Croatia 3-0 to barge into the FIFA World Cup finals. Messi scored on a penalty and assisted on a beautiful pass that resulted in a goal en route to a masterful performance. With individual and team championship trophies in club level, the national one is what eludes him on football's biggest stage.
Croatia didn't have the bite to seriously threaten the Argentine defense whereas the South Americans were deadly especially on the counter attack. The Balkan nation appeared to slow the game and bring it again to a penalty shootout, which I think, they have an advantage.
Whereas Messi played the full game, Ronaldo played only in the second half. In what will probably be the last World Cup for arguably the two greatest players, Lionel will secure apex status, especially if Argentina wins it all.
