"You should enjoy players like him" - Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni lauds Luka Modric ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup showdown against Croatia
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has hailed Croatia captain Luka Modric ahead of the two sides' FIFA World Cup semifinal showdown. La Albiceleste meet the Vatreni on Tuesday (November 13) at the Lusail Stadium for a place in the final.
Both sides head into their clash following penalty shootout victories in the quarterfinals. Argentina beat Netherlands 4-3 after a 2-2 draw in extra time, while Croatia shocked Brazil with a 4-2 shootout win after drawing 1-1 in extra time.
Modric, 37, has been instrumental in Vatreni's campaign in the FIFA World Cup thus far, starting all five games. He has shown leadership, hunger, and incredible talent throughout, so Scaloni has lauded him ahead of their semifinal clash.
Scaloni said (via the Independent):
"He's a role model for so many of us - not just because of his talent but also his behaviour. All I can say is we should enjoy him. If you love football, then you should enjoy players like him."
Never. Give. Up. https://t.co/Rv3C6bZrB6
It's likely to be the last FIFA World Cup for Modric. He recently said that he's open to continuing with the Croatian national team, but by the time the next World Cup comes around, he will be 40.
Modric said:
"I don't focus so much on the future. I want to see how long I can play for the national team, and I am 100 percent focused on what awaits us at the World Cup."
The Real Madrid midfielder has earned 159 international caps, scoring 23 goals and providing 25 assists. Modric was part of the Croatian side that made the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, losing 4-2 to France.
Argentina icon Lionel Messi lauded by teammate ahead of FIFA World Cup clash with Croatia
Argentina captain Messi has been praised by his teammate Nicolas Tagliafico for his leadership qualities.
The 37-year-old led La Albiceleste to a 4-3 shootout win over Netherlands in the last eight. He was seen galvanising his teammates during the hard-fought clash against the Oranje.
Leo Messi against The Netherlands.
- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- Scored in the penalty shootout
- 6 shots
- 3 key passes
- 10/14 ground duels won
- 2/3 dribbles completed
One of the best performances of Leo Messi's career https://t.co/L2GwjB7HGg
Tagliafico has said that Messi gives the side a special advantage because the latter leads from the front. He said:
"He is our captain, our leader. He is the one pushing us, motivating us. He gives us a special advantage on the pitch, we know we have Messi. And that is a great source of motivation."
Messi is having a marvellous campaign, registering four goals and two assists in five games.