Argentina vs France, 2022 World Cup final: Messi's date with destiny

Sergio Gallardo Lionel Messi's date with destiny Argentina

[{"selector":"#anim-3f056d18-4763-4aab-a934-370b5e3c136a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-9.85795430187417%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] Argentina have shown real resolve at this World Cup. They lost their opening game against Saudi Arabia, but have bounced back to reach the final.

[{"selector":"#anim-a9055744-6252-4f83-a6a2-1af9b3c5c7e9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(9.85795430187417%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] In two do-or-die games against Mexico and Poland, they got the job done and topped Group C. The whole of Argentina let out a huge sigh of relief.

[{"selector":"#anim-4ef8f38a-82ff-4753-8d0e-1a71e3b30cdb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.692750508130423%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] In the last 16, Argentina had to dig in. Australia, one of the round’s weakest teams, gave them a run for their money - but Lionel Scaloni's men held out.

[{"selector":"#anim-0b25ce53-26ee-410e-bb1d-1e7ae7a4e733 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-9.85795430187417%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] In the quarters, the ghosts of the group stage reared their ugly head. In the final 10 minutes, the Dutch scored twice to take the tie to extra time and penalties.

[{"selector":"#anim-8eeed35f-ec58-4e67-9230-4efbc9cb0316 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.8620689655172413)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"forwards"}] No World Cup run is easy, but with Dibu Martínez in goal, it’s easier. The goalkeeper starred in the shootout to take his team into the semi-finals.

[{"selector":"#anim-1ada0af5-0658-47fa-ad78-d8d6bb763866 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(8.34585164536661%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] It also helps if you have Leo Messi and Julián Álvarez up top. They’ve scored nine of Argentina’s 12 goals, and were fabulous in the semi against Croatia.

[{"selector":"#anim-36157299-39ed-4a3a-90bf-988bba38b9bc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(9.85795430187417%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] Álvarez has really come to the fore, forming a fine pairing with Messi. The PSG ace, meanwhile, is joint-highest scorer in Qatar, with five (level with France's Kylian Mbappé).

[{"selector":"#anim-69146474-cb5e-46de-a6da-9b1bbe398af6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.9345794392523364)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"forwards"}] Messi has equalled Lothar Matthäus’ career World Cup appearances record (25). In Sunday’s final against France, he’ll beat that mark as he bids to banish the memories of Brazil 2014.

[{"selector":"#anim-535a9f0a-c673-4008-bb68-968750482a92 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(12.831439168402008%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] YOU'LL FIND MORE GREAT STORIES AT AS USA