Luka Modric (C) of Croatia vies with Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina during the semifinal between Argentina and Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Dec. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Although Argentina crushed Luka Modric's World Cup dreams in Qatar, the 37-year-old Croatian star hopes that Lionel Messi and his Argentine team can win this World Cup.
DOHA, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Croatia star Luka Modric played what could be his penultimate game on the World Cup stage on Tuesday as his side lost the World Cup semifinal 3-0 to Argentina.
Substituted in the closing minutes of the game, Modric received a warm ovation from nearly all of the fans in the Lusail Stadium and after the final whistle, the efforts of the 37-year-old were also recognized by several members of the Argentina side, such as Leo Messi and Angel Di Maria.
Modric returned the generosity speaking to the Argentine press saying he wished Messi the best for the final.
"I hope Messi wins this World Cup. He is the best player in history and he deserves it," said Modric.
The veteran was asked about whether Tuesday was his last game for his country, but replied, "it's too soon to talk about that," and pointed out there was still the play-off for third and fourth place on Saturday.
"That isn't a punishment for Croatia. We have had a great World Cup and now there is a bronze medal at stake and we have to prepare well, because that would be a success," he said.
Modric's only criticism after the game was for Italian referee Daniele Orsata, who awarded Argentina a penalty which saw them open the scoring after a collision between Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic and Julien Alvarez.
"We were comfortable, controlling the game and following a corner that the referee didn't give us, they got the penalty which changed everything," said Modric.
"The Argentinean dived and collided with our keeper. I can't believe he gave that penalty, which changed the game," he lamented. ■
