Argentina v France sees Messi v Mbappe: Keys to the World Cup final

Argentina take on defending champions France on Sunday in the World Cup final.

AFP Sport looks at some of the keys to the game:

Messi v Mbappe?

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are teammates at Paris Saint-Germain, but only one will return to the French capital happy.

Both have scored five times en route to the final, with Messi in particular growing in influence the deeper Argentina have progressed at what is his last World Cup.

They will have a big say over who hoists the trophy, the searing pace and devastating finishing of Mbappe up against the mesmerising close control, precision and vision of Messi.

Three of Messi's goals have been scored from the penalty spot, while all five of Mbappe's have come from open play - mainly the result of quick transitions where France are at their most dangerous.

Can Argentina exploit France's left side?

Messi produced one of the moments of the tournament when he danced down the right wing, twisting Josko Gvardiol inside out, before pulling back for Julian Alvarez to seal Argentina's 3-0 victory over Croatia in the semi-finals.

That Messi was able to have his way with one of the best defenders at this World Cup suggests France's left side will be an area Argentina will attack with regularity.

Mbappe has been given the freedom to roam for France but very rarely does he get back to help out defensively, a point Didier Deschamps addressed by bringing on Marcus Thuram against Morocco with France protecting a 1-0 lead.

Theo Hernandez is a more dynamic left-back than his injured brother Lucas, but it could allow Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina - set up by Messi for the opening goal in the quarter-final against the Dutch - to push forward as well.

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