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Lionel Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo and their children were ecstatic after Argentina sealed their place in the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. La Albiceleste beat Croatia 3-0 in the first semifinal clash on Tuesday, (December 13) at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Messi, 35, was the Man of the Match, putting in a spectacular performance that led Argentina to the final of the FIFA World Cup. The iconic forward first slotted from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after a collision between Julian Alvarez and Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
He has now scored 11 goals in 25 FIFA World Cup appearances, a record by an Argentine player. Alvarez added a second in the 39th minute before Messi lit up the Lusail Stadium with incredible trickery to break free from Josko Gvardiol.
Messi then guided the ball into Alvarez's path who tapped in from close range to wrap up a 3-0 victory in the 69th minute. His family watched from the stands - his wife Antonella and three children: Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 5.
Antonella posted a picture the family of herself and the three boys celebrating their father's performance and Argentina's victory over Croatia. The Argentine model posted the snap on Instagram with the caption (translated from Spanish):
"I CANT EXPLAIN IT BECAUSE YOU WONT UNDERSTAND!!! LET'S GO ARGENTINA!!! LETS GO (Lionel Messi)."
Lionel Messi's dedication to family is heartwarming as he leads Argentina to 2022 FIFA World Cup final
Lionel Messi continues to wow fans season after season with extraordinary performances and astounding records broken. However, the Argentine has dedicated his playing career to his loving family, who watch him on with proudness each time he takes the field.
Messi heads into his sixth major international tournament final. While speaking to TyC Sports in May, he reflected on winning the Copa America in 2021 when he said that he thought about his family during the triumph. He insisted that he continues to play for his loved ones, saying:
"After having won the Copa América, I thought about them. I knew the happiness they felt at that moment, just as I experienced it and transmitted it. I continue to play for them, my children, my wife."
Messi is proud that his children get to watch him play at a FIFA World Cup at an age where they can enjoy football. He said during this year's tournament (via The Athletic):
“From the very beginning, from kick-off to the final whistle, I’m thinking of my children. They’re growing older. They understand better what’s going on, and they enjoy it more."
He added:
"They are living it from inside, and for me, it is something spectacular; we are excited as all Argentinians are.”
Argentina await France or Morocco in the final on Sunday (December 18) as Messi eyes his first World Cup title.
