World Cup 2022: France Star Fires Warning at Messi Ahead of Blockbuster Final

• Lionel Messi continues to dominate pre-match talk ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final
• The Argentine has scored five tournament goals so far, as has French striker Kylian Mbappe
• Les Bleus defender Theo Hernandez has boasted however that Messi does not scare his team

Ahead of the final 2022 FIFA World Cup final, France star Theo Hernandez has boasted that Les Blues are not scared of Lionel Messi.

The Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar will witness history, as Argentina take on the defending champions in the World Cup final.

Messi, who has been one of the top performers at the global show-piece, has already scored five goals alongside Frenchman Kylian Mbappe.

Paris Saint-Germain teammates Messi and Mbappe have continued to dominate the pre-match build-up, as they are set to go head-to-head for World Cup glory.

Messi looks to equal Argentina legend's World Cup goal scoring record

Football

But Hernandez has stated that the veteranArgentine striker does not scare the French team.

The Bayern Munich full-back told RAI Sport, via SPORTbible:

“Playing two World Cup finals in a row is an incredible moment. We did a good job, it was hard, but we are in the final. We will work hard to win this final. Now we have to think about the final."

While Hernandez admitted he was suffering some fatigue, it had boosted morale to succeed in the semi-final of the tournament.

“Now, let's recover for Sunday. Messi doesn't scare us; Argentina are an incredible team, but we have a few days to work.”

Deschamps lauds Messi

Meanwhile, 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 advance.

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

Fred: Ex-Brazil star explains why he wants Messi to cry

Football

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

President Macron hails Les Blues

Sports Brief earlier reported that France's President Emmanuel Macron was spotted at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He was on hand at the Al-Bayt Stadium to witness Les Bleus withstand the ferocious Atlas Lions of Morocco, running out 2-0 winners in the historical semi-final on Wednesday.

After the match, he was seen in a video tweeted by SuperSport, celebrating with coach Didier Deschamps and his charges inside the stadium's changing rooms.