WORLD CUP FINAL WILL BE A NAIL BITER

Will Lionel Messi finally add the Football World Cup to his impressive career?

That seems to be the story behind Sunday’s, (December 18th 2022) World Cup Football final between Argentina and defending Champions France. 

At 35 years, it is Messi’s final chance at winning a World Cup but Kylian Mbappé has taken the defending champions, France on an impressive run to the final in Qatar. 

Argentina who are seeking their third global title, last won the title in 1986 and their first title came in 1978. However they have also made it to the final in 1930 (defeated by Uruguay 4-2), 1990 (defeated by Germany 1-0) and 2014 (defeated by Germany 1-0).

Argentina started their campaign on a disappointing note losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia causing some concern about their title aspirations. But the Copa America champions, Argentina, came strong with two consecutive 2-0 victories against Mexico and Poland.

France cruised into the final despite not having the majority of possession in their semi final match against Morocco. But the French seem to play better on the counter attack with some blistering speed from their attackers. 

Mbappe has been bombarding the opposition defense and goal and with more the enough presence in the middle and other side of the attack teams have found it hard to contain the defending champions. 

This makes it the fourth time France have made it to the final, 1998, 2006, 2018 and now 2022. 

France has to be wary as five of their players have been reported by the French media to have missed practice due to an illness and three have been isolated. 

But the defending champions have many threats such as Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kingsley Coman, Dayot Upamecano (missed a game due to the illness) and Aurelien Tchouameni.

It is a different tale for Argentina as they are all healthy and the majority of their plays go through Messi.

Will Messi be enough to help Argentina to the title?

Messi has already said this is his last World Cup. France is looking to etched their names on the pages of history and will be looking to win it all for themselves.  

The answer to the questions will be answered on Sunday. Will Messi capture his first World Cup title or will France be the first team to win back to back titles since 1962.

The third place playoff pits Morocco against Croatia.