Messi v Modric : Ageing Like Fine Wine

That outside-of-the-boot pass, the immaculate first touch and the precise range of passing! Not every player is lucky to have one of such qualities in their locker. But in Luka Modric, these all come down naturally and effortlessly. The diminutive playmaker is always the engine that makes his team work whether at club level or for country. Croatia will need his craft and guile tonight when they take on Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the Lusail Iconic Stadium. At 37, the midfielder keeps getting better and has been the driving force behind Croatia’s successes since the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Croatia’s win against Brazil came as a surprise to many but not Modric whose numbers were staggering in that game. He completed 114 passes, more than any other player on the pitch; was the only Croatian player who had more offers to receive the ball between two players (37) and had more complete receptions (117); more than any other player on the night.  “Before leaving for the World Cup, we talked a lot about the tournament in the (Real Madrid) dressing room. I told my teammates ‘watch out for Croatia! Nobody counted on us,” Modric said.
Standing in front of him will be another legend of the game who needs no introduction. Lionel Messi is a purist’s dream and a joy to watch for supporters and opponents alike. Four goals and two assists so far in the tournament,...