DOHA - Lionel Messi has confirmed he will play his last World Cup game when Argentina take on France or Morocco in Sunday’s final in Qatar.

He had led Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia in their semi-final on Tuesday and will earn his 172nd cap at the weekend when he tries to bring the country its first World Cup title since 1986.

“I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final,” he told Argentinian media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole.

“It’s many years for the next one and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it’s the best,” added the Argentina captain.

The 35-year-old is playing at his fifth World Cup, surpassing the four of Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano.

With his fifth goal in Qatar, he also surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as the top Albiceleste scorer at World Cups, netting 11 times.

“It’s all well and good (the records), but the important thing is to be able to achieve the group objective, which is the most beautiful thing of all,” Messi added.

“We’re just one step away, after fighting hard, and we’re going to give everything to try to make it happen this time.”

Julian Alvarez scored twice and earned a penalty converted by Messi as they swept past Croatia.

While all eyes were on Messi and his bid to win the one major trophy eluding him, it was Alvarez who stole the show, earning the penalty and scoring once in each half including after a scintillating 50-metre run.

Messi put away the spot kick in the 34th minute, after Alvarez was brought down by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

The 22-year-old Alvarez then took matters into his own hands with his solo effort to make it 2-0 five minutes later.

The pair then combined perfectly in the 69th for Alvarez to tap in his second goal after a mesmerising Messi drive to the byeline and cut-back through the legs of defender Josko Gvardiol to make sure of Argentina’s sixth World Cup final appearance.

“I’ve been enjoying this for a long time, since we arrived at this World Cup,” added Messi.

“We asked people to trust us because we know who we are. It’s crazy, we did it... we’re going to play another final. Once again, Argentina are in a World Cup final.”

Tuesday’s victory prompted thousands of fans to take to the streets in Argentina to celebrate.

While Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted it was difficult not to get carried away with the win, he called on his side to quickly gather their focus for the final.

“The truth is that the result maybe didn’t reflect the game. I think we deserved to win but maybe not by such a margin,” he said, adding that he had expected a tough challenge against a Croatian midfield inspired by Luka Modric.

“They controlled possession at first, but we knew that could happen because they have three top-class midfielders who have been playing together for years and know each other very well.

“We understood that was how the game would go, but the game opened up with the penalty.”

Argentina’s players celebrated wildly with their fans who made up the majority of the crowd in Doha, and Scaloni added: “We celebrated because it is exciting to be in the final, but there is still one step to go. This is something to enjoy but it’s over now, so we need to move on to the next one.”

The 44-year-old Scaloni is now hoping to win the World Cup just 18 months after leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America in Brazil. The former defender also rejected comparisons with illustrious coaches of the past, including Cesar Luis Menotti, Carlos Bilardo and Alejandro Sabella, who led them to the 2014 final.

“I can’t compare myself with other coaches,” he said.

“It fills me with pride to get to the final and represent the national team. But I can’t put myself on the same level as them. I just feel privileged to be in the final.” REUTERS, AFP