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Lionel Messi & Co. break million hearts after humiliation by Croatia
Argentina are facing a humiliating first round exit after a 3-0 mauling by Croatia which leaves Lionel Messi's dream of finally lifting a major title in jeopardy.
Updated on: Jun 22, 2018 5:10 PM IST
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View Photos in a new improved layoutUpdated on Jun 22, 2018 5:10 PM
An Argentina's fan wearing a fancy hat depicting Lionel Messi reacts after his team lost to Croatia in a FIFA World Cup 2018 match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. (AFP)
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Lionel Messi’s Argentina were on the brink of a humiliating World Cup exit on Thursday after they were humbled 3-0 by Croatia. (AFP)
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Argentina knew they had to chase a win in Nizhny Novgorod after their disappointing 1-1 opening draw against Iceland but instead collapsed in the second half to leave their campaign in tatters. (AFP)
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A horrendous mistake by goalkeeper Willy Caballero and two further goals from Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic mean the two-time former champions have to rely on an unlikely sequence of results if they are to progress in Russia. (AFP)
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It was the heaviest defeat for the two-time world champions in the first round group stages of a World Cup tournament since they lost 6-1 to Czechoslovakia in 1958. (AFP)
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The result spelt another night of misery for Barcelona star Messi, who missed a penalty in Argentina’s opening match against Iceland. (AFP)
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A fierce post-mortem was already under way in Argentina, where the press tore into Messi and his team. (AFP)
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