Manchester City star Julian Alvarez became the youngest player to score twice in a World Cup semi-final or final since Pele in 1958.
The Brazilian legend was 17 years and 249 days old when he achieved this feat scoring a hat-trick against France before scoring a brace against Sweden in the World Cup final. While Alvarez is relatively old in comparison at 22 years and 316 days old, his accomplishment is no less special after a superb night in Lusail.
Argentina and Croatia were evenly matched for the first half-hour of Tuesday night's contest but the City man was soon able to announce himself onto the occasion. On the 34th minute, Alvarez was brought down by Dominik Livakovic in the area allowing Lionel Messi to fire home to give the South Americans the lead.
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Five minutes later and Alvarez took centre stage scoring one of the tournament's best goals. Having helped regain possession from a Croatia corner, the 22-year-old received the ball inside his own half, jinked past the entire defence before lifting the ball into the goal.
Even Brazil favourite Ronaldinho who was in attendance applauded the incredible solo effort. Argentina continued to control the match after the break and made it three with just over 20 minutes of normal time remaining.
Messi rolled back the years to beat Josko Gvardiol before laying it on a plate for Alvarez to slot home his second of the contest. The comprehensive result means that the City man and his teammates remain in with a chance of lifting the World Cup.
Their opponents in Sunday's showpiece finale will be decided on Wednesday night when Morocco face France in Al Khor. Argentina are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 1986 when they were inspired to victory by Diego Maradona.
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