World Cup 2022 Final: Deschamps Lauds Messi but Promises to Stop Him

• France and Argentina are in the World Cup final after beating Morocco and Croatia respectively
• Didier Deschamps has praised Lionel Messi as an incredible player but also wants him stopped
• Both countries will have a chance to win their third World Cup title in tournament's last stage

The build-up to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup final is already gathering pace, not long after the two semi-finals saw France and Argentina advancing.

The majority of the attention has been expectedly focused on Argentine captain Lionel Messi - and rightly so - as Sunday's final represents a lot for him.

It will be his last World Cup, his second final, and his last chance to cement his name as the greatest player of all time - by winning the only trophy left from his illustrious career.

France on the other hand, want to retain their title and despite acknowledging the former Barcelona captain's greatness, they have ambitions of their own to chase.

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Deschamps heaps praise on Messi

France head coach Didier Deschamps has lauded Messi's great World Cup form, noting the difference between now and four years ago.

He told Independent, as quoted by Sportskeeda:

''Messi has been in scintillating form since the beginning of the tournament, four years ago things were different of course. He actually played as a center-forward against us, which caught us by surprise four years ago, whereas now he is in tandem, just in behind the center-forward."

Les Bleus' coach also commented on Messi's form while picking up the ball and running with it.

Deschamps - a World Cup winner as a player and as a coach - promised France would do everything humanly possible to get the better of La Albiceleste and win a third Mundial title.

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He made this comment while speaking to beIN Sports, as quoted by GFFN:

“We will do everything humanly possible for that not to happen. At the end of the match, someone is getting a third star on their shirt.”

France players have Messi contingency

Sports Brief earlier reported that France stars revealed plans for Messi, ahead of the 2022 World Cup final on Sunday.

The trio of Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Aurelien Tchouameni spoke on what they must do to stop the Argentina captain, who has been pivotal for the South American country.

The French players recognised him as the strongest link in the team, while also acknowledging La Albiceleste's squad depth.