Argentina squad looking at ‘GOAT’ Lionel Messi to inspire World Cup glory vs France | Football | Sport

Argentina are banking on Lionel Messi’s individual brilliance trumping France’s collective strength in Sunday’s World Cup final. The bookmakers find the two sides almost impossible to separate in what promises to be a coin-toss showpiece.

But Argentina believe their inspirational captain, who will break Lothar Matthaus’s tournament finals appearance record at the Lusail Stadium, will be the man to make the difference. “People say France are the favourites but we have the advantage of having the greatest player of all time,” said Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

“I saw a great Messi at the Copa America but in this World Cup he took a step forward. He’s playing better. It’s quite difficult to beat that version of Messi but he did it. He’s excited, he’s full of joy and this helps us so much.”

Messi led Argentina to the Copa America trophy 18 months ago – their first triumph at the tournament since 1993 – with four goals and five assists. Now he is on to win the World Cup Golden Boot after a wonderful personal tournament which has seen him score five goals and supply three assists.

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Thousands more Argentina fans, who will be comfortably in the majority at the final, have flown into Qatar in the hope of seeing history made by the Albiceleste. However with demand for tickets outstripping supply for the 88,000-capacity stadium, those who are desperate enough to turn to the black market against FIFA warnings are being stung heavily – £800 tickets were being offered in Doha for £4,000 each on Saturday.

“I’m very sorry if they can’t attend the final,” said Scaloni. “I’d love them to be at the game but this stadium has a certain capacity and there’s nothing we can do about that. Even to be here without a ticket is something amazing.”