World Cup final preview: Argentina vs France
It’s all been building to this. The Qatar World Cup final kicks off on Sunday afternoon, two powerhouse sides contesting the greatest prize in football.
And two powerhouse players, of course. With victory on Sunday at the Lusail Stadium, France can make history, joining the elite company of Italy and Brazil in winning back-to back World Cups.
For Messi, it’s now or never territory
Meanwhile, Argentina has the chance to win the trophy for the first time since 1986, as Lionel Messi looks to add to his already incredible legend. If only he can overcome Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, just 23 and already a World Cup winner.
For many, Messi’s status as the greatest is not up for debate. But after years of magnificence at club level, this final stab at World Cup glory offers the 35-year-old chance to put a colossal capper on a stunning career.
That, or endure one more moment of disappointment in a competition that’s often so cruel, even for the greats.
Cristiano Ronaldo never really came close to winning with Portugal – and will surely not do so now. Johan Cruyff had to settle for a runner-up finish with the Netherlands.
And for Messi, a finalist in 2014, it’s now or never territory. Can the Barcelona legend take his chance against a France side that barely seems to have broken sweat thus far?
While Didier Deschamps’ side have missed key men like Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, the team still have a breadth of excellence to call on. Mbappe is widely viewed as one of the best players in the world; Antoine Griezmann has arguably been the player of the tournament; and even Olivier Giroud keeps being underestimated, notching four goals so far.
Does France’s array of talent outgun Argentina?
For Argentina, Messi is the main man; Man City striker Julian Alvarez has racked up four goals, and the likes of Angel Di Maria or even Alexis Mac Allister may still contribute immeasurably. But the sense is that if France can somehow subdue Messi, Argentina’s goose could be cooked.
Argentina are 7/4 to win the final in 90 minutes, with France 15/8 in the same market. Meanwhile, Messi is 33/20 to score at any time, with Mbappe 15/8 in the same market.
As for who wins – it seems like you’ll have to decide whether to go with head or heart. Most right-thinking neutrals will want to see Messi lift the trophy. At the same time, it’s difficult not to look at France’s array of talent and conclude they outgun this Argentina side.
Of course, football doesn’t always work out the way you’d expect. Just ask Argentina, who lost their opening game in this competition 2-1 to Saudi Arabia. Seems a long way away now…
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