Messi will be a special advantage for Argentina in semi

Defender Nicolas Tagliafico says Lionel Messi's presence will give Argentina a special advantage against Croatia in their FIFA World Cup semi final.

Argentina's progress to tomorrow’s match has largely been inspired by Messi, the forward scoring four and assisting two of their nine goals.

Messi will equal Germany great Lothar Matthaus' 25 match tournament appearance record against the 2018 World Cup finalists at Lusail Stadium.

Tagliafico says Messi has always been like this and he is their captain, leader and motivator.

Messi also has other personal milestones in view as he looks to lead Argentina to a first triumph since 1986, in his fifth and likely last World Cup.

Argentina will take on 2018 runner up Croatia in the first semi final at 7am tomorrow, while underdogs Morocco will face France on Thursday at 7am.

source: BBC