Argentina vs France: Lionel Messi’s Last Chance At World Cup Glory
Elegant, magical, unstoppable. Lionel Messi has been all of that and more over the years. Indescribable at the best of times, the Argentine is now doing his very best to show he’s the greatest player in the history of the game. Despite that, the small, yet incredibly mighty Messi is yet to have his moment on the biggest stage built for the most legendary of players.
There’s one last opportunity, however. One last chance for Messi to add the final jewel to his footballing crown, whilst France will be looking to make it consecutive World Cups for the first time ever.
Is this finally Messi’s World Cup moment?
At 35, Messi is as magical as ever. Each moment, which seems impossible, soon becomes conceivable with one drop of the shoulder; one inch-perfect pass; one perfectly placed effort into the back of the net. Argentina vs France gives us the chance to see that magic once more, too, as Messi looks to win his biggest prize yet.
🇦🇷 Messi: World Cup finalist. pic.twitter.com/BRlCje4Lhe
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 13, 2022
Argentina are currently 5/6 to beat France in the final, and several World Cup bet builder tips are backing Messi to score first, who is at 9/2 to do so. If the Argentine legend does find the back of the net, it will be his sixth goal of the tournament – taking him into the lead for the Golden Boot.
Argentina’s run to the World Cup final
So far in Qatar, things have got better as the tournament has progressed for Argentina. They started by losing against Saudi Arabia, in what was the worst possible opening for Messi and co. The result seemed to provide a wake-up call, however, as Lionel Scaloni’s side went on and defeated both Mexico and Poland to enter the last 16.
It was in the last 16 that Argentina defeated Australia in a cagey affair, before beating the Dutch on penalties and easily defeating Croatia 3-0 in the last four in their most impressive display yet. Up against the likes of Luka Modric, Messi shined brighter than ever, scoring once and providing one incredible assist.
France’s run to the World Cup final
France have had a more convincing run to the World Cup final, progressing in ruthless fashion. Only defeated by Tunisia after their place in the last 16 was confirmed, France then defeated Poland, before edging out a tough England side, courtesy of Olivier Giroud’s winner.
Their ruthless nature was proved once and for all against Morocco, though, as they dispatched of the underdogs, beating them 2-0 in the last four to put an end to their World Cup dreams. Now, Didier Deschamps’ side have the chance to end Messi’s dream in what would be their harshest act yet to secure back-to-back World Cup wins.
The stage is set
As Messi and Argentina prepare to go again in the World Cup final, the narrative almost writes itself on football’s grandest stage. Can this squad secure the eternal glory that they have been seeking for so long? Or will France make history of their own in Qatar?
