Updated On: 13 December, 2022 10:00 AM IST | Doha | Ashwin Ferro
Thrilling battle awaits football fans as Argentina skipper Messi and Croatia captain Modric will try to thwart each other in the first semi-final today

Argentina skipper Lionel Messi (right) Croatia captain Luka Modric. Pics/Getty Images
The first semi-final between Argentina and Croatia at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday night promises to be an engaging battle between Lionel Messi’s fervent forwardline and Luka Modric’s midfield marshalls.
Argentina’s star winger Angel di Maria, who was left out of their Round-of-16 match against Australia and entered only in the 112th minute in the quarter-final against The Netherlands is fit to start against the Croatians. This makes Argentina’s front trio—Messi flanked by Julian Alvarez and Di Maria—potent once again. Croatia, on the other hand, boast of the best midfield set-up in this tournament—Luka Modric alongside Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.