ITV commentators Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon were last night critical of Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol in the build-up to Argentina’s third goal.
The 20-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea since way before the World Cup began.
However, their interest has only grown as the tournament has progressed, given the sensational form he is currently showing.
Despite his brilliance at the heart of defence for Croatia, last night was certainly not his finest hour.
The European side were completely outplayed by Argentina, as the Lionel Messi fairytale story threatens to write a remarkable final chapter.
Chelsea man Mateo Kovacic can certainly hold his head high. He put in a great performance despite the result on the night.
Gvardiol destroyed by Messi
However, it was Messi who had the final say. After scoring a penalty earlier in the night, he turned provided for Julian Alvarez in sensational style to close out the game.
The genius got past Gvardiol with ease on the right, before cutting the ball back to the Manchester City man to make it three.
Matterface and Dixon were swift to praise Messi, although noted it was a rough moment for Gvardiol.
Matterface said: “Well Lionel Messi might not be able to produce a 90 minute magic show anymore, but his sprinkling of sorcery might just be enough. He has just destroyed one of the World Cup’s emerging stars.”
Meanwhile, Dixon said: “Just watch him here. It’s not the pace it’s the slowing down Gvardiol is thinks he’s got him but he stops again, no he hasn’t. And he’s off.”
Despite the incident, there have still been recent reports that Chelsea are firmly in the race to sign the RB Leipzig man.
It has even been claimed that they have tabled their first bid for the youngster, with it in the region of £80m.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
