Lionel Messi has suggested Man Utd made costly error when Ralf Rangnick was in charge

Comments made by Lionel Messi after Argentina's World Cup semi-final win over Croatia have raised further questions over a decision made by Manchester United under Ralf Rangnick.

Argentina were excellent as they made their way to their sixth World Cup final on Tuesday evening, with Messi getting them off to the perfect start from the penalty spot.

It was a typically world-class performance from the PSG star, who also provided the assist for Julian Alvarez's second goal of the evening to make it 3-0, which was the final score.

Whilst the 35-year-old rightly received huge plaudits, Manchester City forward Alvarez was also the subject of major praise, having scored his third and fourth goals of the tournament.

Only Kylian Mbappe and Messi himself have found the net on more occasions (five), leaving the 22-year-old with a realistic chance of winning the Golden Boot.

Speaking about Alvarez after the semi-final win, Messi told TYC Sports: "I always say the same thing: the group work rate is our strength, and any of my team-mates deserve to be Man of the Match.

"But today I think Julian has stood out above all. He played an amazing game.

"He was the one who opened the way, who fought all of them, ran and generated chances. I think he was a very important player, as he has been throughout this World Cup, and I think he deserves this [MOTM award]."

Why Messi comments cause doubt over Man Utd decision

During his time as United boss, Ralf Rangnick compiled a shortlist of transfer targets that United should look to bring in during the most recent January or summer transfer windows.

On the list was Alvarez, then a River Plate forward. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the club had a 'real chance' of signing the striker.

But United did not proceed with the move. Rangnick confirmed this back in May, also adding that the club did not sanction moves for Luis Diaz, who moved to Liverpool, and Dusan Vlahovic, who signed for Juventus.

Alvarez, meanwhile, joined Manchester City. He currently has three goals to his name in 12 Premier League appearances for the Cityzens, but his World Cup showings prove there is plenty more to come.

Erik ten Hag's side, meanwhile, did not sign a forward in the summer transfer window, are now on the lookout for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed the club via mutual agreement last month.