"Today, we're living something spectacular" - Lionel Messi reacts after spearheading Argentina to 2022 FIFA World Cup final

Lionel Messi reacted to Argentina's phenomenal win over Croatia in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup as they secured their place in Sunday's (December 18) final.

Messi, 35, dazzled throughout the clash against Vatreni at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Tuesday (December 13) as La Albiceleste won 3-0. He was on the scoresheet from the spot in the 34th minute.

Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic allegedly brought down young forward Julian Alvarez, and the referee pointed to the spot. Messi made no mistake by drilling the ball into the top-hand corner. In the process, he became Argentina's all-time top goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup with 11 goals.

Alvarez scored a goal of his own in the 39th minute thanks to his persistence. The duo then worked together to clinch a third when Messi's quick feet caused all sorts of problems for Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol. He passed to Alvarez, who strode into the box to calmly slot past Livakovic and extend Argentina's lead in the 69th minute.

It was a night Argentina fans will never forget as Messi heads into his sixth final at a major international tournament. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker, in a buoyant mood, said after the game (via Roy Nemer):

"Many things went through my mind. It's very exciting to see all of this, the people, the family. The entire World Cup was incredible, what we experienced, and now we are going for the last match, which is what we wanted."

Many consider this to be Messi's greatest FIFA World Cup campaign. He now has five goals and three assists in six appearances. However, he's not getting too far ahead of himself but is happy with his exploits, saying:

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

He added:

"We have been through tough situations, other very good ones. Today, we are living something spectacular. I'm enjoying it with all of these people and all the Argentines that are in our country. I imagine it has to be crazy."

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Lionel Messi's Argentina will look to avenge their early elimination from 2018 FIFA World Cup

Messi may have redemption on his mind.

Lionel Messi and co could seek revenge for their early exit in the 2018 FIFA World Cup against holders France if Les Bleus secure their place in Sunday's final. They face Morocco on Wednesday, (December 14), with the opportunity to face Argentina.

France had knocked La Albiceleste out of the 2018 World Cup in a pulsating 4-3 last-16 clash. That memory is still fresh for many Argentine fans who want to avenge that result and beat the reigning world champions.