Argentina Vs France: Messi starts again to make World Cup history
Scaloni, Deschamps also on the cusp of history
Lionel Messi is set to become the all-time record holder for most games played at the World Cup after he was named in Argentina’s starting lineup for the 2022 final against France.
The 35-year-old will make history before he has even kicked a ball at the Lusail Stadium as he will walk out on the biggest international stage for the 26th and final time for Sunday afternoon’s showpiece event, surpassing the previous record held by Lothar Matthaus (25).
The stage is not just for Messi as the two coaches have made a history of some sort.
Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni, at 44 years old, will be the youngest manager to take charge of a World Cup final since Rudi Völler in 2002 (42), while he could be the youngest to win the trophy since his compatriot César Luis Menotti in 1978 (39).
France coach, Didier Deschamps could become only the second manager to lead a nation to victory at two separate World Cups, after Vittorio Pozzo with Italy in 1934 and 1938. Deschamps has won 14 of his 18 matches as manager at the finals (D2 L2).
While France may be banking on their knockout record to win, Argentina will be seeking to build on the incredible record South America have against European teams at the World Cup.
France, for the record, have won all seven of their World Cup knockout games since the start of the 2018 tournament. In World Cup history, only Brazil from 1958 to 1970 (9) have ever had a longer winning run in knockout matches at the finals.
Meanwhile, Argentina vs France will be the 11th World Cup final competed between a South American and European nation; South American sides have lifted the trophy on seven of the previous 10 occasions.
