Argentina vs Croatia player ratings as Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez book World Cup final place

Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez combined to devastating effect as Argentina dispatched Croatia 3-0 to earn a place in the World Cup final.

The Albiceleste were given a controversial penalty when Livakovic collided with Alvarez, and Messi smashed high into the roof of the net to break the deadlock.

And it was soon 2-0 when Alvarez carried the ball the length of the field before capitalising on a kind deflection and poking past the goalkeeper.

The game was finished with just over 20 minutes remaining when Messi dribbled past Josko Gvardiol and cut back for Alvarez to convert, ensuring a comfortable conclusion to this semi-final.

Here are the player ratings from the Lusail Stadium:

Argentina player ratings

E Martinez 6: Good handling to collect Croatia balls into the box, but had little else to do.

Molina 7: Sloppy in possession as Argentina attempted to play out from the back early, but soon settled and a brilliant run from to aid Alvarez for the key second goal.

Romero 5: Very late challenge early on but settled down thereafter.

Otamendi 5: Read the game well, stepping out from the back, but still has some mad moments, like the clumsy hack on Petkovic, has a moment that will scare Argentina fans each game.

Tagliafico 6: Good workrate and defended soundly, gives Scaloni a decision to make for the final.

E Fernandez 6: Gorgeous through ball for Tagliafico and stung Lovakovic’s hands with a solid hit inside the half an hour.

De Paul 6: Solid in the midfield, breaking things up and getting Argentina moving.

Paredes 5: Not a lot of production on the ball, but works hard and keeps the shape required.

Mac Allister 7: Great little flick-on to force Livakovic into a top save. Super engine and great vision to go long when Argentina soaked up pressure and hit Croatia on the break.

Messi 9: Thumps the penalty home into the roof of the net, then a beautiful dribble and assist for Alvarez to make it 3-0.

Alvarez 9: Quick off the mark and beats Livakovic to earn the penalty. A mazy run and clinical finish for the second, then good movement and a calm head to keep the ball low for the third.

Croatia player ratings

Livakovic 5: Tough position but clatters Alvarez to concede the penalty. Great save to deny Mac Allister.

Juranovic 5: Shocking attempt to clear for the Alvarez goal.

Lovren 5: Gorgeous long ball over the top to Juranovic, but sloppy line and marking in the move that led to conceding a penalty.

Gvardiol 5: Comfortable on the ball but couldn’t cope with Messi for the third goal.

Sosa 4: Pushed up high and offered plenty in possession. Sosa with a shocking attempt to tackle Alvarez. Subbed at half-time.

Brozovic 5: Struggled for rhythm and was sacrificed early in second half.

Modric 6: Operating from deep following Argentina’s lead, moved it quick but couldn’t find the right ball to open up the opponent.

Kovacic 7: Brilliant carrying the ball out from the back and riding challenges.

Pasalic 4: No influence in final third and was picked off while tracking back. Subbed at the half.

Kramaric 5: Struggled to get into the game, but service was bad.

Perisic 4: Poor delivery in the final third, despite getting into a couple of good positions.