'Absolute filth': Messi dazzles his way into record books as Argentina march to World Cup final

A Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina thumped 2018 runners-up Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to set up a World Cup final against either France or Morocco.

Messi scored his fifth goal of the tournament in Qatar from the penalty spot to put the South American side ahead and Julian Alvarez netted once in each half to make the game safe.

It was Messi's fifth goal of the tournament, making him joint top-scorer with France's Kylian Mbappe. His 11th career goal -- in a record-equalling 25th World Cup appearance -- also took him past Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's all-time World Cup top scorer.

Let's take a look at Twitter's best reactions:

Absolute filth… should come with an age restriction warning ??#Messi #ARGCRO pic.twitter.com/qGMqrFSyLO

LIONEL MESSI WINS HIS 4TH MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD AT THE 2022 WORLD CUP ????No player has more. pic.twitter.com/5CIpjj45ik

Phenomenal ?? That is some performance tonight from Messi ?????? pic.twitter.com/w4bAsz2YiW

TIME FOR REDEMPTION.LEO MESSI AND ARGENTINA ARE ONE GAME AWAY FROM THE WORLD CUP ???? pic.twitter.com/J9PcmKXbwW

In 2012, 12-year-old Julian Alvarez took photo with his idol Lionel Messi. 10 years later, they're heading to a World Cup Final together with nine goals between them. ???? pic.twitter.com/pBkreGJ8tI

Lionel Messi ?? ridiculous stats.Always ??#BBCWorldCup #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/oAHQmgPUSw

Messi equals Diego Maradona’s assists at a World Cups. Now 8 assists. Incredible. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/tD13bAemEe

Look at Messi go ???? ???? ?? pic.twitter.com/Zf6MsyrO31

Most goals + assists at the World Cup since 1966:???? 19 - Miroslav Klose ???? 19 - Ronaldo ???? 19 - Lionel Messi ??One more for the record. ?? pic.twitter.com/KnGl0sMWhR

Lionel Messi is the 1st player to score & assist in 3