A Lionel Messi inspired Argentina are looking to win their first title since 1986 and their third its history, While France and Kylian Mbappe are looking to ...
"It's many years for the next one and I don't think I'll be able to do it. Didier Deschamps response to Messi: "We will do everything humanly possible for that not to happen. France met Argentina in the last-16 of the 2018 World Cup. Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France dumped Lionel Messi and Argentina out of the World Cup with a 4-3 win in an outstanding round-of-16 tie in Kazan. History will be made regardless. A Lionel Messi inspired Argentina are looking to win their first title since 1986 and their third its history, While France and Kylian Mbappe are looking to create history by becoming the first side to retain the trophy in World Cup history.
It's Lionel Messi vs. Kylian Mbappé, as Argentina tries to dethrone the reigning champions and win its first World Cup since Diego Maradona's heyday in ...
[Antoine Griezmann](https://www.transfermarkt.us/antoine-griezmann/profil/spieler/125781) and [Olivier Giroud](https://www.transfermarkt.us/olivier-giroud/profil/spieler/82442) to the youthful brilliance of Mbappé and [Aurélien Tchouaméni](https://www.transfermarkt.us/aurelien-tchouameni/profil/spieler/413112). [Raphaël Varane](https://www.transfermarkt.us/raphael-varane/profil/spieler/164770). Reserve centerback [Ibrahima Konaté](https://www.transfermarkt.us/ibrahima-konate/profil/spieler/357119) also has been under the weather. [Peacock](https://www.peacocktv.com/) is NBC and Telemundo’s subscription streaming service. Fellow centerback [Dayot Upamecano](https://www.transfermarkt.us/dayot-upamecano/profil/spieler/344695) and midfielders [Adrien Rabiot](https://www.transfermarkt.us/adrien-rabiot/profil/spieler/182913) and [Kingsley Coman](https://www.transfermarkt.us/kingsley-coman/profil/spieler/243714) missed the semifinal win over Morocco [because they were sick](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/16/varane-konate-and-coman-train-apart-virus-france-world-cup-final). Morocco’s [Jawad El Yamiq](https://www.transfermarkt.us/jawad-el-yamiq/profil/spieler/235412) put a bicycle kick off the post in the semis just before halftime, with France leading, 1-0. [SiriusXM’s subscription service](https://player.siriusxm.com/) has an audio simulcast of Fox’s TV broadcasts on Fox Sports Channel 83. [Karim Benzema tore a thigh muscle](https://www.espn.com/soccer/france-fra/story/4806724/world-cup-france-karim-benzema-suffers-injury-in-training) in practice. In the semis, Argentina was liberated, with Messi and young phenom [Julián Álvarez](https://www.transfermarkt.us/julian-alvarez/profil/spieler/576024) dazzling the world. [N’Golo Kanté, Paul Pogba, Presnel Kimpembe, and Christopher Nkunku](https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/france-injuries-world-cup-2022-players-missing/iksf7wljnvms9gc2tgseknji). They’re two of the many superstars who’ve turned the French capital’s biggest team into [a global power](https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2022/12/16/messi-vs-mbappe-is-world-cup-final-qatar-cant-lose/). At every turn of this World Cup, the Albiceleste faithful have showed up in droves to roar on their team.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France on Sunday.
[World Cup](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/2022-fifa-world-cup): [Who's deeper, France or Argentina? [France](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/france-men-team): [Hugo Lloris](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/hugo-lloris-player), [Jules Kounde](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/jules-kounde-player), [Raphaël Varane](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/raphael-varane-player), [Ibrahima Konate](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/ibrahima-konate-player), [Theo Hernandez](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/theo-2-player), [Aurélien Tchouaméni](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/aurelien-tchouameni-player), [Adrien Rabiot](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/adrien-rabiot-player), [Antoine Griezmann](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/antoine-griezmann-player), [Ousmane Dembele](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/ousmane-dembele-player), [Olivier Giroud](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/olivier-giroud-player), [Kylian Mbappé](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/kylian-mbappe-2-player) The bad news is that five more players — Aurélien Tchouaméni, [Kingsley Coman](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/kingsley-coman-player), Raphaël Varane, Ibrahima Konaté and Theo Hernández — did not train. However, FOX Sports' Jenny Taft reported that [all 24 players were available](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/france-at-full-strength-for-world-cup-final-following-flu-scare) for Saturday' training session, and France perhaps is putting that flu bug in the rearview mirror. [-200](https://amaya.onelink.me/68td?pid=Cross_Sale&c=FOX_Sports_ALL&is_retargeting=true&af_dp=foxbetuspa%3A%2F%2F&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Ffoxbet.com%2F%3Fsource%3D19259167&af_adset=Sports&af_ad=world-cup-2022-odds-how-to-bet-argentina-france-final&af_sub1=Article&af_sub2=ALL&af_sub4=19259167&af_sub5=Editorial) (bet $10 to win $15 total) - Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead the Golden Boot race with five goals each, however, Mbappé is technically in first place because he has more non-penalty goals. [+140](https://amaya.onelink.me/68td?pid=Cross_Sale&c=FOX_Sports_ALL&is_retargeting=true&af_dp=foxbetuspa%3A%2F%2F&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Ffoxbet.com%2F%3Fsource%3D19259167&af_adset=Sports&af_ad=world-cup-2022-odds-how-to-bet-argentina-france-final&af_sub1=Article&af_sub2=ALL&af_sub4=19259167&af_sub5=Editorial) (bet $10 to win $24 total) [+190](https://amaya.onelink.me/68td?pid=Cross_Sale&c=FOX_Sports_ALL&is_retargeting=true&af_dp=foxbetuspa%3A%2F%2F&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Ffoxbet.com%2F%3Fsource%3D19259167&af_adset=Sports&af_ad=world-cup-2022-odds-how-to-bet-argentina-france-final&af_sub1=Article&af_sub2=ALL&af_sub4=19259167&af_sub5=Editorial) (bet $10 to win $29 total) [+170](https://amaya.onelink.me/68td?pid=Cross_Sale&c=FOX_Sports_ALL&is_retargeting=true&af_dp=foxbetuspa%3A%2F%2F&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Ffoxbet.com%2F%3Fsource%3D19259167&af_adset=Sports&af_ad=world-cup-2022-odds-how-to-bet-argentina-france-final&af_sub1=Article&af_sub2=ALL&af_sub4=19259167&af_sub5=Editorial) (bet $10 to win $27 total) The good news is [Dayot Upamecano](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/dayot-upamecano-player) and Adrien Rabiot, who were both sidelined for France's semifinal vs. France](https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup-men-w61-world-vs-w62-world-dec-18-2022-game-boxscore-97096)
Start times and TV and streaming options for the World Cup final between Argentina and France on Sunday.
Álvarez, 22, is bidding to become the first person born this century to win a World Cup scoring title. If France wins, it would become the first men’s team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962 and coach Didier Deschamps, who played 90 minutes in France’s win over Brazil in the 1998 final, would become the first person to play on a World Cup winner and coach two champions. For the first time, U.S. Argentina, meanwhile, is monitoring Messi, who also shares the tournament lead for assists with France’s Antoine Griezmann and two others, all with three apiece. 3 Argentina, which needed penalties to get by the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, is 4-1-1 with a 12-5 goal differential. In fact, for all his greatness, Messi has won just one major international championship and that came in the 2008 Olympics.
SportsLine's soccer model simulated Argentina vs. France 10000 times and locked in its 2022 FIFA World Cup final picks and predictions for Sunday.
- France vs. France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final? And which side has all the value? They have put 42% of their shots on net, while France have hit the target on just 36% of their shots. He is the nation's all-time leader in appearances with 144 and has eight clean sheets in 19 World Cup matches. The defense should come in with more confidence after holding Morocco scoreless, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' experience in back is critical. [2022 World Cup picks](https://www.sportsline.com/fifa-wc/picks/) and predictions. Argentina are -125 to lift the trophy while France are +100. The model was accurate on 56% of all picks during the Champions League group stage and returned more than $1,000 to $100 bettors on its A+ picks. The SportsLine soccer simulation model evaluates a team's offensive and defensive capabilities based on the game situation. Argentina are slight +160 favorites on the 90-minute money line (risk $100 to win $160) in the latest Argentina vs. The superstars are tied in the World Cup's Golden Boot race with five goals apiece.
Argentina and France make up one of the buzzwortthy finals at the FIFA World Cup. Argentina is in search of its third World Cup crown and first in the era ...
Mbappé needs to be France's difference-maker on Sunday after not scoring in the last two rounds. The Albiceleste have three clean sheets and a one-goal concession in Qatar. AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. The same victorious formula can be followed on Sunday. Argentina has an equally dangerous attack. Argentina is in search of its third World Cup crown and first in the era of Lionel Messi.
With Lionel Messi on the precipice of immortality, Argentina will be going all-out in the World Cup final against a France side potentially facing some key ...
The Saudis showed what can happen on the break, and we all know what Mbappe can do in the open field. All that said, both nations have seen four of their six matches, respectively, in this tournament end with at least three goals, and they’ve each been individually held to fewer than two goals just once each. Hernandez is also dealing with a bit of a knee issue, and his brother Lucas is already out for the tournament. In addition, France have reached the final despite having a lower xG than their opponents in both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals. Either one causes issues for France, and gives Argentina a terrific advantage in attack. Martinez and Lloris have been outstanding in this tournament, each making critical saves that won matches for their sides. France has also won nine of their last 10 matches over the past two World Cups. For France, they’re hoping to be the first nation to lift the trophy in consecutive tournaments for the first time in decades. Tactically, Messi is in fine form, and he’s going to be perfectly set up to exploit the weakness that France’s last three opponents have attacked: the space behind Mbappe. Whether it’s Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel starting for Argentina at right back, neither will be on par with what England and Morocco threw at Mbappe to somewhat stifle his attacks. But when it’s all over, Messi will raise the trophy and take his place alongside Diego Maradona as a national hero and one of the greatest players of all time. Who will have what it takes to reach the summit and lift the trophy?
SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green locked in his 2022 World Cup final picks and predictions for France vs. Argentina featuring Kylian Mbappe and Lionel ...
- Argentina vs. [Visit SportsLine now to find out which wagers in Argentina vs. Argentina in the World Cup final? And where does all the betting value lie? Green has broken down the 2022 World Cup final. In addition, Argentina face a French defense that has been vulnerable in Qatar. The defense also looked very shaky in the 2-1 quarterfinal win against England. The 90-minute money line lists Argentina at +160, France at +185 and a draw at +205. [You can head to SportsLine now to see Green's picks](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/2022-world-cup-final-france-vs-argentina-odds-picks-predictions-best-bets-for-sundays-showdown-from-proven-soccer-expert/#ttag=12152022_agg_cbssports_picks_soccer_worldcup_martingreen_ArgentinaFranceWorldCupfinalexpert). [2022 World Cup picks](https://www.sportsline.com/fifa-wc/picks/) and predictions. After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Argentina are the -125 favorites (risk $125 to win $100) to lift the trophy in the latest Argentina vs.
ARGENTINA take on France in a HUGE World Cup final on Sunday afternoon.Croatia fell victim to a Lionel Messi masterclass in Tuesday's dominant semi-fi.
[high-flying Morocco](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9882325/france-morocco-live-stream-free-score-tv-channel-time-watch-world-cup-online/) in their semi-final. [Argentina's](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/team/249852/argentina/)eye-catching World Cup final contest against [France](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/team/272607/france/)will take place on Sunday, December 18. [Kylian Mbappe's second-half double](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/world-cup-2018/2787222/argentina-fans-in-tears-as-france-end-world-cup-2018-dream-after-4-3-defeat/)sent Argentina crashing out of the World Cup when the sides last met in 2018. [Betfair](https://www.betfair.com/sport/football/fifa-world-cup/12469077) correct as of December 16. [Messi and Kylian Mbappe are the two main men](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9905997/messi-mbappe-world-cup-stats-final-france-argentina/) for their respective nations - and all eyes will be on who comes out on top. [Karim Benzema could be a shock inclusion](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9903508/karim-benzema-play-world-cup-final-france/) on the bench as he is back in Real Madrid training. [Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot sat out](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9907702/france-virus-world-cup-final-lockdown/) of the Morocco win with illness as France kept their first clean sheet - but will be hopeful of coming back in. [may well be unchanged after semi-final wins](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9908055/argentina-and-france-world-cup-final/). [France](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/team/272607/france/) also won two and lost one of their group games - although their defeat to Tunisia came after beating Australia and Denmark. [Argentina](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/team/249852/argentina/) suffered a nightmare start to their tournament with a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. [Messi](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9907540/messi-france-hernandez-world-cup-argentina/) has created a thrilling final chapter to his World Cup career and the magician will arguably go down as the [greatest footballer EVER](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9900054/lionel-messi-records-argentina-croatia-world-cup/) should he replicate what Diego Maradona did in 1986. [Lionel Messi masterclass](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9879185/argentina-croatia-live-result-score-lionel-messi-world-cup-reaction/) in Tuesday's dominant semi-final encounter as Argentina went through.
The 2022 World Cup final is here, with reigning champions France meeting Argentina in the tournament's showpiece game.France ended Morocco's resistance to ...
Messi had caused alarm by clutching his hamstring last time out, but recovered to inspire his side to victory and concerns were allayed after the game. Though France won without regulars Rabiot and Upamecano, it will be a relief to see the pair back training since the Morocco match. Indeed, all three of those players did not feature in the semi-final win over Morocco, with Rabiot remaining at the team hotel due to his condition. On the one hand, the trophy does not matter. And when you have the ball, you need to give it to him as soon as possible so that he can create something.” It was June 1986 and they were playing West Germany in the final at the Azteca in Mexico City. Ibrahima Konate came in for Upamecano against Morocco and was one of France’s best players. They have great players who work for the team also. Kylian Mbappe was the star man. “Today starts another World Cup for Argentina,” Messi had said after admitting they were poor in the first half. And looking at the scenes in Argentina now, I think that is how the people will feel on Sunday if Argentina win our third World Cup. “For me, this is the most important thing about this Argentina team, and why they are in the final on Sunday.
Two big guns face off in the World Cup final where France are looking for their second straight title as they face Argentina.Here are some quick facts.
[bet365](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/bet365). It is always good to look at current form and past results but just because France beat Argentina in the last World Cup don’t let that match dictate how you wager on this finale. For [in-play betting](https://talksport.com/betting/1269816/best-live-betting-sites/) the more info the better and William Hill has you covered in that aspect. [William Hill](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/williamhill) has a 3D layout of the match with no lack of great stats. It is very costly for sportsbooks in the UK to give their punters a live video stream for World Cup matches. The team has been burned on the counter and that is a big worry for them coming into this match. He has scored a goal in each of the three knockout stage matches and has an assist in the last two matches. They have a Bet Builder promo that has been available the whole World Cup tournament and you can take advantage of it for the finals, as well as for the third place match on Saturday. [check out bet365](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/bet365). They need to press for the ball more facing Les Bleus, who have a much better offence than Croatia. You can sign up with them and get a great welcome bonus and they have many markets for the finals including Asian lines. [William Hill](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/williamhill) [William Hill](https://talksport.gigmedia.com/goto/williamhill) is offering punters both featured bets and boosted odds.
Argentina and France meet on Sunday for the FIFA 2022 World Cup final with Lionel Messi facing off against Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe.
We are trying to make the best of the situation we are in, quite simply. This one is going to be tight and almost too close to call. Despite the overriding narrative suggesting that Messi's success is meant to be, the pragmatic French approach could steal his thunder and instead leave Mbappe celebrating. The virus, we are never prepared for this kind of thing. Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud should continue in attack aided by the in-form Antoine Griezmann and Saturday will be crucial in determining eligibility so Deschamps will be hoping that no new cases surface so close to the game. "From the moment we have the support of our supporters, we know that the country is behind us," he added. Be ready to surpass ourselves, to make the effort despite the circumstances with the virus, despite the fatigue. "They play very well in offensive transitions, taking advantage of the mistakes of the opponent. Kingsley Coman, Raphael Varane, and Ibrahima Konate have all suffered the sickness since the win over the Atlas Lions and although Rabiot and Upamecano should now be fine, Varane and Konate would be problematic as it would require a new central defensive pairing. There will be a lot of expectation in relation to this final on the Argentinian side. Argentina: Marco Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel no longer have suspension worries hanging over them although Nahuel Molina is likely to start ahead of Montiel on the right while Acuna might replace Nicolas Tagliafico on the left. "But to be honest, I am focused on the present.
"I would prefer one World Cup to the five Ballons d'Or. Team trophies are above individual ones. It would be the best to win a World Cup," Lionel Messi said ...
The emotion grew Saturday with a letter from Messi's eldest son, Thiago, in which he encouraged his father to be champion: “I want to win the third, I want to be a World Cup champion, and we can see Diego from heaven. The atmosphere is designed to push Argentina and Messi, with the spirit of Diego Armando Maradona floating permanently. In the stadium, they will provide the colour with 4,000 balloons, 6,000 flags and 2,000 scarves, among other things. It would be the best to win a World Cup," Lionel Messi said at the Ballon d'Or gala in 2016. Now, they aspire to win a third World Cup, just like the Albiceleste. It would be the well-deserved golden climax to his career, but first, he must dethrone France, the current world champion, in Sunday's final in Qatar.
December 18 schedule: Argentina will take on defending champion France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final at the Lusail stadium.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final will be telecasted live on Sports18 and Sports18 HD. In Scotland, the matches will be telecast on STV. - ⦿ Lionel Messi will overtake Lothar Matthäus (25) as the record appearance-maker in FIFA World Cup history if he plays in the final. The telecast will be available in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo. As a result, all matches of Qatar 2022 will be telecast live on BBC 1, ITV 1 and ITV 4. Scaloni will look at the workman-like tactical flexibility, emotional aggression of his team and the decisiveness of Messi’s moments of magic to win this ultimate game against France. Messi and Argentina, though, have found a tireless Julian Alvarez to do the running for the team’s luminous star, falling back to press whenever Argentina loses the ball. However, the three successes for Europe have come in the last five meetings. But, Molina, Argentina’s right-back, is a few steps slower and might find it difficult to match the success of the Moroccan icon. Morocco tried and mostly succeeded in negating his threat by using right-back Acharf Hakimi’s pace and dribbling skills to trouble Theo Hernandez and break the chain of connection between the left-back and Mbappe. His face adores most billboards and the neon buildings that light up the evening skies and every second person in the streets wears a Leo Messi jersey (mostly fake), while the rest rummage through the stores in Mushareib, Souk Waqif, Wakrah or Lusail to pick the last few available ahead of Argentina’s final against France. A World Cup trophy from Lusail to truly establish his supremacy.
One game is all that remains as Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni look to lead Argentina to a World Cup title when they face France on Sunday in the final.
With the team usually losing the ball in situations that allow for quick transitions, Lloris has to stay on his toes all game as one mistake could sink France. France: Didier Deschamps will know that Hernandez will be targeted during the match but that hasn't been an issue during the tournament so far with Hugo Lloris providing big saves in key moments. One game is all that remains as Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni look to lead Argentina to a World Cup title when they face France on Sunday in the final. With Theo Hernandez being an ultra-attacking left-back, the team will have chances to get forward if the midfield can help exploit that advantage. Julian Alvarez has been a reliable deputy atop the attack but Argentina are getting goals from wherever they need them on any given day. Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister have been able to fend off opponents and keep Argentina moving forward during the World Cup so far.
The GOAT looks for the one title he's never won against the champs and a couple of former Barcelona teammates.
Mbappé can cement himself as perhaps the world’s best player if he shines in the Final, and Messi will erase every single doubt about his status as the greatest footballer of all time if he can finally win a World Cup. This is also a rematch of the 2018 Round of 16 in Russia in which Les Bleus destroyed the Albiceleste on their way to the championship, and Argentina have not been shy about looking for revenge for that heavy defeat four years ago. This is without a doubt of the most anticipated Finals in World Cup history for many reasons.
The game is scheduled for 10 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday. Here's where to watch and what to watch for.
Argentina has won twice, in 1978 and 1986, and has been back to the finals twice since. Together they have nine of the team’s 12 goals at this World Cup. [lost there to the Netherlands](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/12/03/sports/usa-netherlands-world-cup-score). [lost to Croatia](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/12/09/sports/brazil-croatia-world-cup-score) in the quarterfinals. In the United States it will be broadcast on Fox in English and Telemundo in Spanish and streamed in Spanish on Peacock. He is 35, and France is the defending champion and also won the World Cup in 1998. He is ably supported by Julián Álvarez, a 22-year-old scorer who represents Argentina’s next generation. [Kylian Mbappé](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/06/sports/soccer/kylian-mbappe-champions-league-psg.html) (five goals). [France](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/12/14/sports/france-morocco-world-cup-score) and [Argentina](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/sports/soccer/messi-argentina-goals-assist-croatia.html) will face off at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar. [this is expected to be his last chance](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/08/sports/world-cup/messi-ronaldo-soccer.html). It can be streamed in English on an app like Hulu or Fubo that offers Fox.
Much more than a Messi vs Mbappe clash, the World Cup final will be a date with history for Argentina and France.
“Things always happen in a match for which you are not prepared,” said France captain Hugo Lloris, who is looking to become the first man to captain a team to the World Cup title twice. It’s a World Cup final after all, but our opponents are not in the stands.” But all five players will be available to head coach Didier Deschamps – one of only three men to have won the World Cup both as a player and a coach. “Already I had a great experience as a player, and now it’s my privilege to experience it as a coach. Leo [Messi] is doing well and let’s hope the match goes our way, but it’s a game between Argentina and France, and there are many players that can decide the game.” Mbappe, the prodigious talent who has scored only two fewer World Cup goals than Messi, but is aged just 23 and is poised to take the 35-year-old Argentinian’s mantle as the best player in the world.
The 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup will see both two-time World Cup winners, Argentina and France, lock horns at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar 2022.
His face adores most billboards and the neon buildings that light up the evening skies and every second person in the streets wears a Leo Messi jersey (mostly fake), while the rest rummage through the stores in Mushareib, Souk Waqif, Wakrah or Lusail to pick the last few available ahead of Argentina’s final against France. A World Cup trophy from Lusail to truly establish his supremacy - This capital of the energy-rich thumb-shaped Gulf nation has often made you feel that you are in (cleaner) streets of Mumbai or Kochi as Indians tend to outnumber everyone else around. he World Cup trophy would arrive at the Lusail Stadium in a specially commissioned Louis Vuitton trunk, escorted by Indian actor Deepika Padukone and a member of France’s 1998 or 2018 World Cup-winning teams. Dayot Upamecano was spotted training ahead of him - The match will kick off at 8:30 Indian Standard Time (IST). [READ FULL STORY](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/fifa-world-cup/news/fifa-world-cup-argentina-vs-france-szymon-marciniak-referee-match-officials-arg-vs-fra-final-qatar-2022/article66277384.ece). In the final, he will be among the familiar faces as he has already officiated matches involving Argentina and France in this World Cup. [READ FULL STORY](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/fifa-world-cup/news/fifa-world-cup-final-qatar-2022-argentina-vs-france-captain-hugo-lloris-coach-deschamps-on-messi-soccer-wc/article66274346.ece). It’s a final between two big nations but when you play that type of a player [Messi], you need special focus. [READ FULL STORY](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/fifa-world-cup/news/who-has-most-assists-fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-stats-messi-griezmann-mbappe-argentina-vs-france-final/article66274657.ece). For Argentina, it is Lionel Messi who has been at the heart of its attack.
One way or the other, it's the last hurrah for Messi come Sunday against France in the World Cup final.
Argentina's last win was in 1986 and this is the first World Cup after the death of Diego Armando Maradona. [I picked Argentina to win the World Cup before the tournament started](https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/2022-fifa-world-cup-predictions-picking-every-game-lionel-messi-leads-argentina-to-glory-usmnt-move-on/) and I will stick to my prediction despite the fact that I see France as a stronger side. The torch will be passed on to Mbappe -- if it has not already been done yet -- as the next in line to join the likes of Messi in the Mount Rushmore of soccer greats. Les Bleus to edge this and become just the third team in World Cup history to defend their crown. Les Bleus are in the midst of the type of dynastic run we expected to see from the likes of Spain back in the 2010s. With the exception of an insane last 10 minutes against the Netherlands, this team has been extremely difficult to break down. However, few people (myself included) backed the defending champions to be this good. This feels like a bit of a toss up and in such cases it is rarely a bad idea to back the team that has Lionel Messi. Argentina are the better defensive side and have been able to beat teams in different ways. Messi will do just a little bit more, scoring the winning goal in extra time as France's injuries finally catch up to them. With Argentina getting healthy at just the right time, bringing Paulo Dybala off the bench will help spark a late winner in the match. You could throw a blanket over these two teams, who have a fair few of the same quirks and qualities, most notably an aversion to possession and a defense that makes that a solid tactic.
One of Argentina or France will add a third star to their jerseys as the teams face off in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final today.
FOX can be streamed live on The match is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Will Messi finally complete his enviable trophy case by leading Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986? [All 8 World Cup stadiums](https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/soccer/what-stadiums-are-being-used-for-the-2022-world-cup-a-guide-to-the-eight-world-cup-stadiums-in-qatar/5usnb9zj48n61ozbsmi6g7zy7) He's looking to do so in back-to-back tournaments as he is quickly climbing into the same rarified air as his club teammate Messi. At 35 years old, this will most likely be the Argentina superstar's last chance to win football's biggest prize.
Szymon Marciniak will be in charge of the proceedings tonight. In the final, he will be among the familiar faces as he has already officiated matches ...
In the Qatar World Cup, this will be his third match. Tuchel accused Marciniak of ‘having a good time’ with the Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. In the 2018 World Cup, he officiated two games. Szymon Marciniak will be in charge of the proceedings tonight. The 41-year-old is a Polish referee. The remaining three matches ended in draws.
Qatar hosting World Cup final on its national day. Kickoff at 6pm (15:00 GMT) at Lusail Stadium. Argentina and France both looking for their third title. France ...
Will Messi finally add the one trophy missing in his cabinet, or will Mbappe break his dreams to win it again?
In a few hours, these players will grace the pitch for the most important 90+ minutes of their life. For most of this tournament, they have been solid both in the front and at the back. Argentina will be hoping to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986, and probably bid farewell to their greatest-ever player's career in the best of fashion.
The champion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be crowned on Sunday, when Argentina takes on France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.
The closing ceremony for the World Cup featured artists from around the world performing songs from the official soundtrack of the tournament in Qatar. Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates 1-0 during the World Cup match between Argentina v France at the Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City Qatar (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images) Thirteen minutes later Di Maria finished off a flowing team move involving a deft flick from Messi.
Despite a late injury scare Olivier Giroud is in the lineup for France and on the Argentina side, Angel Di Maria is passed fit to make the start for ...
"In fact, the latest news out of the French camp is that Olivier Giroud has a slight knee knock and might even be a doubt to start against Argentina. The France boss is already agonizing over whether to go with Ibrahima Konate or Dayot Upamecano in central defense." France did not remove Benzema from their squad list and he would be entitled to a medal if his country won but there appears little appetite from either the manager or player for an 11th hour appearance. We are trying to live with it, without going too far and getting too carried away, but doing what is necessary. The head coach, who is bidding to become just the second manager to win two World Cups, was taciturn over the status of his players in his Saturday press conference, saying: "I am absolutely fine. Varane and Konate had been among those to miss Friday's session with an illness that has ravaged the French camp, including winger Kingsley Coman, who has also took part in training, giving Deschamps the full compliment of 24 players he could have hoped to have.
Argentina vs France. FIFA World Cup Final. 3:00pm, Sunday 18th December 2022. Lusail Iconic Stadium.