FIFA World Cup 2022: Argentina vs France- Who Will Win it For the Third Time?
With France locking horns with Argentina in the final contest of the FIFA World Cup 2022, the world is ready to witness the biggest showdown of this year. While this is Lionel Messi’s last world cup game, France will also give its best to defend the title.
In spite of losing to Saudi Arabia in the group stage, La Albiceleste did not lose composure. After thrashing Mexico and Poland in the group, Argentina went on to beat Australia, Netherlands, and Croatia in the further rounds to make their way to the finals. France also followed a similar route to the finals.
France started off their campaign by defeating Australia and Denmark in the group stages to qualify for the knockout round. They went on to further push Poland, England, and Morocco out of the league and secure their Finals spot. With both teams on fire, fans are already hyped up for the final battle.
So far, these two teams have met 12 times, with Argentina having the upper hand. It has won 6 of them, losing 3 and the remaining ending in a draw. But if we look at recent records, France seems to dominate the Football world. France will want to repeat history and bring back the World Cup home. The only country that has achieved this feat is Brazil. The Selecao won the World Cup back-to-back in the year 1958 and 1962.
Messi has been leading Argentina in the World Cup since the 2014 edition. Although the team did not achieve the World Champions title, Messi still has the chance to change their fate.
In addition to that, Messi continues his streak to break records. The 35-year-old is the oldest player to score 5 goals in a single World Cup edition. He has played 25 matches in the World Cup so far, which is equal to that of Germany’s Lothar Matthus. Messi will become the player with the most number of appearances in the competition this Sunday.
Furthermore, He also has the record for the most number of appearances as team captain- 18. Let it be the scoring part or assisting, the G.O.A.T has contributed in every aspect possible. He holds the record for both assisting and scoring in four different World Cup games. He did it once in 2006 and thrice this year, in 2022, the only player to do so in a single edition. His assists tally adds up to 8 so far since the 2006 edition.
Messi has a total of 11 goals under his name, playing for Argentina in the World Cups. Previously, Gabriel Batistuta held this record with 10 goals. He also holds this 11-goal record with Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) and Sandir Kocsis (Hungary). While Pele holds the record for most assists (6) in the knockout stage, Messi went on to share this position with him in the current edition.
Regardless of whoever wins the championship, it looks like both of the teams are equally dedicated, and won’t make it easy for each other. Fans can watch the game in Lusail Stadium on December 18, at 8:30 PM IST.
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