It was a battle of the two of the most prolific players of football with the same acronym - LM10. Luka Modric and Lionel Messi both donning the prized number 10. Both being the most important, in fact the pivot of their respective teams. They faced each other in the Semi Final, a level where one has to succeed and the other has to concede. To the dismay of all football lovers and Argentine haters, Luka Modric left the World Cup; and to the utmost pleasure of all football lovers and Argentine lovers, Lionel Messi moves ahead for another shot at divine greatness.
Accolades, analyses, acknowledgements, appraisals, and animosity (from haters) - all are abundantly available for Albiceleste and the Alien (one of the nicknames given to Messi for being able to do the unthinkable). And rightly so! We will add our voices to those chants of accolades too. But first, a revered tribute to Luka Modric is justifiably due.
Luka Modric is inarguably one of the greatest, if not the greatest, midfielders of his generation. He came very close to lifting the World Cup in 2018 and to achieving the all-time status. He was determined to try for achieving the same again in 2022. But destiny has other plans for him. At the age of 37, this world cup is certainly his last attempt at realising footballing immortality.
Every football fan, with some knowledge of the game, has to take some time and recognise the achievements of Modric. The world of football thinks highly of Modric. He has earned the deference of his team mates in country and club, as well as his competitors. However, the World Cup title just wasn't to be. Modric, even at the age of 37, was contending with the youngest of his opponents. He has been remarkable on the field in both club football and especially during this World Cup. He was excellent in the field, exceptional in playing the role that he was supposed to. He contributed greatly for his team to arrive at the juncture of World Cup semis once again. His usual consistency during the World Cup, as is seen in club football, was remarkable. He was playing with his usual standards even at this age. His calmness on the field with the ball is unmatched. Every bit that makes Luka Modric the player he is, was on top-shelf display in Qatar. With him at the helm, Croatia looked composed and competitive with its three-man centre midfield combination. Modric was even running down 80 meters to cover in at the right back whenever situation demanded. And he was fantastic in the semi final match too. But Messi was just untouchable.
For Messi's storied career, the World Cup title is the most sufficient climax. A plethora of records and awards are already in his closet. He is set to break or make a few more records in the final match. LM10 broke his international championship drought with Copa America in 2021, and is looking to top that with the ultimate title. Seeing the semi final match against Croatia, we can finally say that he is in the form and has the team to do it.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are in the World Cup final again. Since 1986, then the heartbreak in 1990, and then a continued saga of heartbreaks that reached its peak in 2014 - all of these make this World Cup final with Argentina more poetic, just beautiful.
For one LM10 awaits eternal greatness in Qatar; for the other, maybe a swan song in 2024 with the Euro the culmination of a great career. Every World Cup adds to the epic tale of sporting achievements and heartbreaks. In 2022, there were many including Luka Modric. Seeing the Croatian LM10 so despondent, and empty, has been heartbreaking. On the other hand, the World Cup has become just a bit more beautiful. The game is now a bit more passionate for all. And that passion in this World Cup has been centred in Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi is back in the World Cup final for his last chance at eternal glory.
