World Cup Final preview: Messi's final waltz must be magical to allay Les Bleus

Will the 2022 tournament be remembered as Messi's World Cup or can this famous France side stand shoulder to shoulder with that great back-to-back Brazil team of the Pele era?

Either way, history will be made at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday afternoon as both France and Argentina look to notch a third World Cup triumph on their international goalpost.

France have won their two (1998, 2018) since Argentina last lifted the iconic trophy back in 1986, and while it was footballing deity Diego who emotionally embraced that most priceless and precious lump of gold on that occasion, all eyes are on Messi’s last stand in today’s decider.

Lionel’s legacy already assured; however, the World Cup is the final piece of the jigsaw to complete a remarkable career, and to bring the trophy back to Buenos Aires would also complete the circle to stand side by side with the inimitable Maradona.

Footballing folklore, 36 years in the mythologising, leads us to believe that Diego did it all on his own back in ’86, and while a younger version of his current self tried, and failed, to mimic the master in 2014, there is no doubt that 2022 Messi needs this one to be a team effort.

"Five finals" since that remarkable opening-day defeat to Saudi Arabia, there was every chance that Argentina would arrive at this juncture with little left in the tank, and yet, Lionel Scaloni’s side step into the arena later today with a clean bill of health, and not one player ruled out through suspension.

Mexico first, followed by Poland; two group game wins secured safe passage through to the last-16 and then a commanding lead against Australia re-established their contender status ahead of the quarter-finals.

But in truth, they looked a little shaky in the closing stages