Lionel Messi and Luka Modric stand as two of the greatest football players to have ever graced the global stage, and now they are leading their respective nations to the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals. However, this isn’t their first encounter on the field, as both have clashed before in both club and international settings.
The Past Encounters:
Argentina and Croatia have crossed paths several times, including friendly matches and World Cup clashes. While their initial competitive meeting was back in 1998, it was the World Cup in Russia four years ago that brought them together again. In that encounter, Croatia emerged victorious with a 3-0 win, led by Modric’s brilliance on the scoreboard. The result propelled Croatia to the finals, while Argentina faced a heartbreaking exit after a fierce 4-3 battle.
Comparing the Legends:
With a direct spot in the World Cup finals and the chance for either player to lift the coveted trophy, how do Messi and Modric compare?
Historical Rivalry:
The rivalry between Messi and Modric dates back to Modric’s move to Real Madrid in 2012 and continued until Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021. Their battles for La Liga titles, Spanish Cup victories, and iconic moments in the El Clasico matchups are legendary.
A Reunion on a Different Stage:
Despite Messi’s shift to Paris Saint-Germain, fate brought him face to face with Modric in the 2021/22 Champions League as PSG clashed with Real Madrid. Messi and his PSG teammates secured a hard-fought victory in the first leg, with a late goal from Kylian Mbappe sealing their efforts.
An Unforgettable Encounter:
In the return leg at Bernabéu, Madrid seemed to be in a tight spot as PSG took the lead. However, Karim Benzema’s remarkable hat-trick led Madrid to an astonishing comeback. That night, Modric worked his magic with a brilliant assist for Benzema’s equalizer, enabling Messi to briefly shine with a lead.
The World Cup Finals Awaits:
As the World Cup final draws near, the question remains: who will shine brighter in this round? Will it be Messi’s Argentina or Modric’s Croatia that etches their name in history as the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions? The stage is set, and the world awaits the crowning of a football legend.
As Lionel Messi and Luka Modric prepare to lead their nations to the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals, their history of rivalry and remarkable encounters continue to captivate football fans around the globe. The upcoming showdown promises to be a clash of titans, as these two legends seek to etch their names further into the annals of football history.
