Messi and Argentina’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after they were thumped by Croatia thanks to second half goals from Ante Rebic, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic.
Croatia’s win booked their placed in the last 16 with one game to spare, while Argentina remain on just one point from their two games after their opening draw with Iceland.
The game also saw tempers run high on several occasions, as Argentina became increasingly frustrated.
Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero’s howler had handed Croatia the chance to open the scoring when he fluffed a clearance, but there was still plenty to do for striker Ante Rebic, who acrobatically turned the ball home in a beautiful finish.
Croatia's playmaker, Luka Modric, who scored his second goal of the tournament, was instrumental in much of his team’s play.
Croatia, drawing on the attacking flair available to them in their ranks, were much more fluid going forward; Chelsea’s Mario Pasalic twice went close, as did Mario Mandzukic before Argentina had a chance to get into their natural groove. However, Argentine players were guilty of some sloppy defending that saw them concede against Iceland.
Argentina will be watching anxiously now as Iceland take on Nigeria in their Group D match on Friday, and a win for the Vikings in particular could spell doom for Messi and co. The final round of group games is on Tuesday, when Argentina face Nigeria and Iceland take on Croatia.
