On Sunday, Lionel Messi hopes to cap off his illustrious career by leading Argentina to World Cup victory, but Kylian Mbappe’s history-seeking France stand in the way of that goal.
“It is exciting to be in the final, but there is still one step to go,” said coach Lionel Scaloni.
Chase for third title
Aged 35 and driven by his desire to make up for defeat by Germany in the 2014 final, Messi has scored five goals and produced some sublime assists.
Sunday’s match is likely to be his last chance to match the achievement of Maradona, who inspired Argentina to victory in Mexico in 1986.
“I am really enjoying myself. I have felt happy throughout this World Cup,” Messi said after Argentina’s 3-0 semi-final win against Croatia.
