Who are Argentina, Messi playing today? Opponent, time, kickoff, betting odds and latest news for World Cup semifinal showdown

Argentina have reached the World Cup semifinals once again, and they will have even more motivation to go all the way than usual, as they look to send legend Lionel Messi out as a World Cup winner in his last tournament.

Messi is once again doing his part, scoring four goals and grabbing two assists — including a glorious one in the quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands — whilst some of his teammates are coming up with key moments when it matters, even if the team performances as a whole sometimes are inconsistent.

This could cost them in the semifinal against a Croatia side that knocked out Brazil, refuses to know when they are beaten and has a fantastic work ethic, chemistry and some fantastic players to boot.

The Sporting News looks at all the key details surrounding Argentina's monumental semifinal matchup.

MORE: Argentina vs Croatia betting preview: Odds, best bets, predictions

Argentina next match at 2022 World Cup

Argentina's next match is the first semifinal of the 2022 World Cup, where they will battle with Croatia for a spot in the final.

This will take place on Tuesday, December 13 at the Lusail Stadium, which will also host the final on December 19.

What time is Argentina World Cup match today?

The match will kick-off at 10:00 p.m. local time in Qatar, which is the same time as the other semifinal that will take place the next day.

This is how that translates to other timezones across the major territories:

* Following day

Argentina vs Croatia team news, lineup

Argentina

Argentina face the difficult task of replacing their two wingbacks from the quarterfinal who made key contributions in that match, due to suspension. Nahuel Molina scored the opening goal when he latched onto a wonderful Messi assist, whilst Marcos Acuna won the penalty that Messi converted to take the scores to 2-0.

🇦🇷 M O L I N A 🇦🇷#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/KllEnToxid

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 9, 2022

Not only would that force personnel changes at a key moment, but it would also potentially require a change of shape, as the likes of Nicolas Tagliafico and Gonzalo Montiel may not be able to function as effectively in a 3-5-2 as the men they are replacing. A change in shape may also see Alejandro 'Papu' Gomez or Angel Di Maria return to the starting side as well.

Predicted lineup: (4-3-3, right to left): 23. Martinez (GK) — 4. Montiel, 13. Romero, 19, Otamendi, 3. Tagliafico — 7. De Paul, 24. Fernandez, 20. Mac Allister — 10. Messi  9. Alvarez, 17. Gomez

Croatia

Unlike their opponents, Croatia have kept the same shape and largely the same lineup throughout the tournament, including a world-class midfield trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic.

They also have the luxury of no major injury concerns or suspensions heading into the massive match. The only potential points of change coming in the forward line where they have struggled to find a consistent right winger; Mario Pasalic, Andrej Kramaric and Nikola Vlasic have all played there with varying degrees of success, though Kramaric — who started up front against Brazil — may be shifted out wide for this match to accomodate Bruno Petkovic who scored the equaliser off the bench.

Predicted lineup: (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Livakovic (GK) — 22. Juranovic, 6. Lovren, 20. Gvardiol, 19. Sosa — 10. Modric, 11. Brozovic, 8. Kovacic — 9. Kramaric, 16 Petkovic, 4. Perisic

How to watch Argentina vs Croatia

Below are all the details on how fans in every corner of the globe can watch this semifinal matchup that is sure to delight and entertain:

Argentina World Cup results

Argentina shockingly lost their opening match of the World Cup against Saudi Arabia, as the Green Falcons came from behind to defeat La Albiceleste 2-1 in a result that sent alarm bells ringing in Buenos Aires and beyond.

Yet they recovered well to win their remaining group matches and Round of 16 clash against Australia, though they threw away a late lead against the Dutch in the quarterfinals that necessitated some Emiliano Martinez heroics in the penalty shootout.

Emi Martinez is BOX OFFICE. 😂#ARG | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/H2RDo28j5M

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) December 10, 2022

Argentina vs Croatia betting odds

Argentina are considered favourites for this match, despite Croatia's quality and history for upsetting the 'larger' nations on the biggest stage.

Despite this, many bookmakers are predicting it will be a close game and one with relatively few goals. This is understandable, as outside their 4-1 win over Canada, Croatia have only scored two goals from open play at the tournament so far.

Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and Ladbrokes (Australia).