It’s happened again. For the fourth time at Qatar 2022, Lionel Messi has put Argentina in front. This time, the PSG star scored a penalty kick to open the score against Croatia in the World Cup semifinals.
The Argentine legend has extended his tally to five goals in Qatar, becoming Argentina’s all-time top scorer at World Cups with 11 goals to his name. Three of his goals in this tournament came from the penalty spot.
Julian Alvarez was struck by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in the box, which is why referee Daniele Orsato didn’t doubt. Messi made sure of giving his side the lead with a powerful strike that sent the fans wild.
Watch: Lionel Messi puts Argentina in front vs. Croatia with penalty goal
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Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
