Messi looks emotional as he is told what he means to Argentina by reporter

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi looked genuinely emotional after a reporter from the nation thanked him for the 'happiness' he brings to many people during his post-match interview.

The 35-year-old rolled back the years with arguably the best performance of the entire World Cup, as Argentina reached the final in Qatar with a 3-0 victory against Croatia.

Argentina will play either France or Morocco in Sunday's final in what will be Messi's final chance to lift football's grandest prize, though an Argentine reporter told him that the 'mark' he has made in people's lives is 'beyond winning any World Cup'.

Television Publica reporter Sofia Martinez, expressed her gratitude towards Messi, with the Argentina star smiling throughout the interview as he looked moved by her touching sentiments.

She said: 'The last thing I want to tell you and is not a question, but I just wanted to say; the World Cup final is coming and sure, we all (Argentinians) want to the win the cup.

'I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there's something that no one can take from you and is the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one - I'm being serious.

'There's no kid who doesn't have your team shirt. No matter if it is a fake, real or made up one.

'Truly, you made your mark in everyone's life and that to me is beyond winning any World Cup.

'No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude for such amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people.

'I seriously hope you take these words into your heart because I really believe that's more important than winning a World Cup and you already have it so thank you captain.'

Messi scored the opening goal in the semi-final from the penalty spot, before later providing a stunning assist for Julian Alvarez's third goal.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward turned past Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol three times before laying off Alvarez to seal the win.

Messi now has five goals and three assists in Qatar, as he jointly leads the scoring charts alongside his club team-mate Kylian Mbappe.

Whether Argentina play France or Morocco, a lot of focus in Sunday's final will surround whether Messi can finally lift the World Cup.

It is the only prize missing from his iconic CV, and there will be some who believe that he needs to win the tournament for his country to seal his place as football's undisputed 'greatest of all time'.