Argentina had a three-goal lead with 20 minutes to go. They were heading to the final for Messi’s date with destiny; the deliverance of the title he and his nation have craved for so long here in Qatar.
Eight years on from their disappointment in the World Cup final against Germany in Brazil, there is a feeling that now is the time for their talisman to script the perfect ending.
When the full time whistle blew on Argentina’s 3-0 win, Messi stood on the centre circle before his team-mates gathered around him.
When he smiled for the world, perhaps the departed Diego Maradona, the man who led Argentina to their last title in 1986, smiled from the skies.
On the touchline, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had tears in his eyes.
Once Messi and Argentina turned it on, there was no way back for Croatia. Perhaps they will rue the moment of madness from Dominik Livakovic that gave Argentina a penalty, coolly dispatched by Messi, and a foothold in this game after the half hour mark.
It meant there was going to be no fairy tale ending for a legend of their own; Luka Modric, their 37-year-old midfield warrior who was substituted with 10 minutes to go.
The second Semi Final will be palyed between Morocco and France today.