Of the 32 teams that came to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, only two remain.
This game will also be loaded with history and legacy-making stakes. Both countries have won two World Cups in their history. France are trying to become the first country to win consecutive titles since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi is already the GOAT. The one thing missing from his trophy case is a World Cup title. This is likely his last chance at winning Argentina’s first World Cup since 1986.
The race for the Golden Boot will also be decided in the final. The tournament’s top four goal scorers will play. Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe have both scored five goals in the tournament. France’s Olivier Giroud and Argentina’s Julian Alvarez have four each.
The final is being played in Lusail. Here are the top moments and biggest plays from the World Cup final.
Pregame
In the traditional pre-game renditions of the national anthem, you’d have to give the edge to Argentina based on how ferociously the players sang every word. France took a more stoic tone, it seems, singing clearly but not over-extending even as the tune reached its rousing crescendo. A very business-like effort by the defending champions. — James Tyler
Another Messi record
Te seguimos, capitán pic.twitter.com/uFafuDmoAm
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) December 18, 2022
Before a ball’s even been kicked in the final, Lionel Messi has set a FIFA record for the most all-time appearances in the men’s tournament. Today marks his 26th game at a World Cup finals: will it be the one in which he finally gets to hold the trophy? — Tyler
Team news
After a scary few days in which several players were suffering from…
