Argentina and France will face off in the World Cup final, with both nations vying for their third title, many other scenarios will add spice to this iconic match.
Will Lionel Messi get the nod? Can Kylian Mbappe confirm himself as the next great? And will France become the first team since Brazil 60 years ago to play this tournament? All these are rhetorics.
The managers team selections will certainly have a say in which team wins the cup.
France boss Didier Deschamps has no interest in helping Lionel Messi win his course to be the greatest player of all time in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Messi is aiming for a first World cup win in his career which could undoubtedly push him beyond all his rivals for the title of best of all time.
Deschamps however, has been part of France’s two previous victories as captain and then coach, at this competition, and a third to cement his legacy beckons.
Quizzed on the possibility of getting his hands on the trophy, Messi said: “We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that we win. »
Argentina’s predicted 11
(4-4-2, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. Molina, 13. Romero, 19. Otamendi, 8. Acuna — 5. Paredes, 7. De Paul, 24. Fernandez , 20. MacAllister — 10. Messi, 9. Alvarez
Injured: Gomez
Suspended: none
Argentina’s only injury doubt is Papou Gomez, who missed the semi-final win over Croatia with an unspecified issue.
Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel will both be available after serving one-game suspensions, although only the former is expected to start.
Lionel Scaloni’s biggest call is whether to stick with the 4-4-2 formation he used last time out, or take on France and bring Angel Di Maria back in a front three.
France’s predicted 11
(4-3-3, from right to left): 1. Lloris (GK) — 5. Koundé, 4. Varane, 24. Konaté, 22. T. Hernandez — 7. Griezmann, 8. Tchouameni, 14. Rabiot — 11. Dembele, 9. Giroud, 10. Mbappe
Injured: L. Hernandez
Suspended: none
Dayot Upamecano may have started this tournament as a first-choice partner with Raphaël Varane at the back, but his position is uncertain for the final.
Ibrahima Konaté put on a colossal display after replacing his ailing former RB Leipzig team-mate in the semi-finals and surely deserves to keep his place.
Adrien Rabiot was replaced by Youssouf Fofana for the same reason on Wednesday but, unlike Upamecano, should return directly.
There remains a question mark over Karim Benzéma, who could potentially return to the matchday squad even though he hasn’t played in the tournament so far due to injury. FIFA rules mean the striker would be eligible to return as he was never replaced in the France squad list.
