Argentina vs France Live Streaming: Mbappe and company look to spoil Messi’s last chance at glory in epic World Cup final – the latest

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Argentina will be determined to clinch the title for France in this afternoon’s World Cup Final – and it’s not to be missed.

Croatia fell victim to Lionel Messi’s outstanding performance in Tuesday’s dominant semi-final match as Argentina progressed.

But things will certainly be more difficult for the young magician as he will face a French team that managed to stop high-flying Morocco in the semi-finals.

However, everything is set up for Messi to come out perfect with the Golden Boot in hand too… unless Kylian Mbappe has something to say about it.

Kick-off time: 3pm GMT Live stream: BBC iPlayer ITV X TV channel: BBC One ITV Argentina XI: to follow France XI: to follow

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What’s the team news and any injuries to worry about?

Neither side has any suspensions to deal with after yellow cards were canceled after the quarter-final and may remain unchanged after the semi-final victory.

Argentina could receive its full-backs Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel from a one-match ban, while Lisandro Martinez may return to the starting line-up if Lionel Scaloni returns to advance by five.

Dayo Uppicano and Adrien Rabiot were knocked out of the win against Morocco through illness as France kept their first clean sheet – but are hoping to bounce back.

The rest of the squad should remain the same – although Karim Benzema could be surprisingly on the bench as he returns to Real Madrid training.

Who will be the men of the stars?

Well, it’s clear that Messi and Kylian Mbappe are the two main men for their countries – and all eyes will be on who comes out on top.

Elsewhere, Julian Alvarez will want to go on to score two goals in the semi-finals while Enzo Fernandes could be tasked with holding off Antoine Griezmann.

On the other hand, Griezmann and Olivier Giroud will try their chances to score in the final.

Aurelien Tchouameni is in strong form in midfield while Raphael Varane will lead the defence.

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Lionel Messi could seal his international career by winning the World CupCredit: Getty

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France have booked their place in the World Cup final. Photo: AFP The enchanting Martinez

It’s so popular in Argentina that young men go to barbers to ask for a haircut for “Amy Martinez,” writes Charlie White.

But this is a far cry for him from Argentina’s previous appearance in the 2014 Brazil final, when they lost to Germany.

In those days, he was completely unknown at home. He watched the final with his family after returning from England, his previous game being a 2-1 defeat against Ipswich while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday from Arsenal.

Asked about his memories of the two World Cups, Martinez, 30, said, “I was having a barbecue with friends in Argentina. I remember crying when we lost to Germany and when we lost in the group stage. [3-0 to Croatia in 2018].

“I know what it feels like to be a fan. I have a great relationship with the fans. We Argentines are very proud of our country and we bring that to the pitch.

“I’m just a regular guy. I’m from the disadvantaged area of ​​La Mar del Plata, and I sympathize with the people there.

“But I dream big. I am a fighter and I want to make my dreams come true.”

World Cup in France in Statistics

Kylian Mbappe lived up to expectations by scoring five goals in the Qatar tournament.

But Antoine Griezmann has also been pivotal in what the champions have done so far.

Argentina World Cup in numbers

Lionel Messi dominates the headlines for Argentina, but it’s a team effort and here are Argentina’s best numbers.

How did France reach the final?

France also won twice and lost one of their group matches – although their defeat to Tunisia came after wins over Australia and Denmark.

France beat Poland and then beat England in the dramatic quarter-finals.

Before finally finishing the Morocco race on Wednesday night to secure his place in back-to-back finals.

How did Argentina reach the final?

Argentina had a nightmare start to the tournament with a shock 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia.

But they returned to the top of Group C with 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland, to set up a round of 16 meeting with Australia.

After defeating Socceroos, they overcame the Netherlands on penalties in the quarter-finals before passing Croatia.

Lusail City Stadium

Take a look at the place where the grand finale will take place today… a thing of beauty.

Credit: GettyCredit: Getty On the last episode

France outlasted Argentina in a thrilling 4-3 victory when the two teams last met in the World Cup round of 16 four years ago.

Kylian Mbappe’s brace in four minutes turned up the difference, although Argentina took the lead in the second half.

Lionel Messi failed to make a huge impact on the match as the French stars kept him silent for the majority of the time.

But he will be determined to exact revenge and help Argentina snatch the trophy away from France in this afternoon’s final.

face to face

This is how Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe began to face this match

Welcome to the World Cup Final

Good morning SunSport readers, and welcome to our definitive live coverage of the 2022 Winter World Cup.. Time really does fly when you’re having fun.

The Qatar tournament brought excitement, joy, pain and heartbreak, but ends with a confusing final between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and world champions France – and there’s a lot at stake.

Messi, 35, has the chance to seal his international career in the best way possible should he win the World Cup this afternoon.

The Argentine magician is currently leading the way in the Golden Boot race thanks to his assists at the tournament.

But having tasted World Cup success once already, French tycoon Kylian Mbappe will be determined to win that trophy back again.

On top of that, he’s equal in goals scored with fellow PSG teammate Messi, so he’s all set up to be in vogue.

Stay tuned for what’s to come, we’ll bring you gossip, team news and starting line-ups all before kick-off at 3pm GMT.

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