The stage is all set to witness the grandest sporting event in the world of football, The FIFA World Cup Final. And what else can be the coincidence that it is going to be played between the defending champions France and star studded and decorated Argentina.
After all the drama that unleashed in the past four weeks, it is now onto the two best teams out of the 32 teams that competed in the tournament. Much of the discussion is that the competition isn’t just between Argentina and France, there’s this mini competition that all the football fans are eying for.
It is between none other than the legendary Lionel Messi and 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe. Lionel Messi, for whom this world cup has been a dream run, is eying a fairytale finish. This is also his very last World Cup match in Argentina’s jersey. On the other hand, Mbappe has also been in the form of his life throughout the World Cup. France is also aiming to clinch back-to-back titles and become the only team to do so after 60 years.
However, when it is about football, no individual player can lead you to victory. It completely is a team sport where a whole squad works as one to get things done for the team.
So, here are all the key players to watch out for.
Olivier Giroud
This has been a spectacular tournament for France’s Olivier Giroud. He has been in his best form throughout the World Cup. The AC Milan striker has already scored four goals in the tournament and is looking in a great touch. He has all the chances to surpass Messi and Mbappe who are sitting at the top of the table in the race of Golden Boot with a total of 5 goals each.
Antoine Griezmann
31-year-old Antoine Griezman has proved another exceptional player of France in the tournament. Despite being in a new role as a midfielder he has just been as brilliant in both offense and defense. He has offered relentless protection in defense and France’s fans hope that he keeps standing as a big wall between Argentina and the cup.
Julian Alvarez
We just cannot underestimate the 22-year-old Manchester City player Julian Alvarez. He can forget his partnership with Messi in a 3-0 win over Croatia in the Semi Finals. He made his way off the bench to replace Lautaro Martinez and now has a total of four goals in four appearances for Argentina.
Emiliano Martinez
The 6 foot 4 goalkeeper of Argentina Martinez has undoubtedly been one of the key players for Argentina. The 30-year-old Aston Villa has made a remarkable contribution to Argentina’s win over Netherlands in the Quarterfinals by making the Key saves. Argentina fans will definitely pin high hopes on him if the match heads to a penalty shootout.
Kylian Mbappe
The 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward is being touted as an upcoming superstar of football. He is already in the top of the race for the Golden Boot along with Lionel Messi. He has scored five goals and has won the world cup in 2018. If France wins, he will become the youngest player to have won two titles after Pele.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest to have ever kicked the football is all set for the last dance in Argentina’s jersey at the World Cup final. Till now, he has had a dream run throughout the world cup. Millions and Millions of fans across the globe are praying for him. Argentina’s team will be looking forward to trying their best to help Messi’s hands on the Golden Cup.
With five goals and three assists in the tournament, Messi is all set to say a dream farewell to his decorated career. He has been in the form of his life throughout the World Cup and scored in all the 2 knock out matches. Now all eyes are onto him and Argentina to make this final an extremely special one for Messi.