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Lionel Messi and Argentina face tough test against Croatia before shot at World Cup glory

Lional Messi is just two matches away from World Cup glory but his Argentina side must first find a way past Croatia at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.

The European side has, once again, upset the odds to reach yet another World Cup semifinal after beating tournament favorite Brazil in the previous round and, make no mistake, Argentina will have its work cut out if its to reach the final.

The Croats took a dazzling Brazil team into the trenches on Friday after scoring a last-gasp equalizer to force extra-time and eventually a penalty shootout, which it won thanks to more heroics from goalkeeper dominik livakovic.

The Brazilians, who lit up the tournament with its attacking dynamism, were prevented from playing their entertaining style of football by a well-drilled Croatian team with a resolute defence.

Argentina and Messi will have to be ready for such a challenge but the team has already demonstrated its willingness to dig deep to find a way to win at Qatar 2022.

Messi and co. were also forced into penalties before winning its quarterfinal against the Netherlands on Friday in a full-bloodied match which showed the South Americans will be no pushovers.