With France facing Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, 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 do their best to defend the title.
Despite losing to Saudi Arabia in the group stage, La Albiceleste did not lose their composure. After defeating Mexico and Poland in the group, Argentina beat Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia in the following rounds to reach the final. France also followed a similar route to the final.
France began their campaign by defeating Australia and Denmark in the group stage to qualify for the knockout round. They went on to further push Poland, England and Morocco out of the league and secure their place in the Finals. With both teams on fire, fans are already excited for the final battle.
So far, these two teams have met 12 times, with Argentina having the advantage. They have won 6 of them, losing 3 and ending the rest in a draw. But if we look at the recent records, France seems to dominate the world of football. France will want to repeat history and bring the World Cup back home. The only country that has achieved this feat is Brazil. The Selecao won the World Cup consecutively in 1958 and 1962.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi is about to break more records
Messi has led Argentina in the World Cup since the 2014 edition. Although the team failed to win the title of World Champions, Messi still has a chance to change his fate.
On top of that, Messi continues his record-breaking streak. The 35-year-old is the oldest player to score 5 goals in a single edition of the World Cup. He has played 25 World Cup matches so far, which is equal to that of Germany’s Lothar Matthus. Messi will become this Sunday the player with the most matches in the competition.
In addition, he also holds the record for the most appearances as team captain: 18. Whether it is the scoring or assisting part, the GOAT has contributed in every way possible. He holds the record for both assist and goal in four different World Cup matches. He did it once in 2006 and three times this year, in 2022, the only player to do it in a single edition. His assists account adds up to 8 so far in the 2006 edition.
Messi has a total of 11 goals to his name, playing for Argentina in the World Cups. Previously, Gabriel Batistuta held this record with 10 goals. He also has this record of 11 goals with Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) and Sandir Kocsis (Hungary). Although Pelé holds the record for the most assists (6) in the round of 16, Messi went on to share this position with him in this edition.
World Cup 2022: THE FINAL
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Regardless of who wins the championship, it appears that both teams are equally dedicated and won’t make it easy for each other. Fans can watch the match at Lusail Stadium on December 18 at 8:30pm IST.
