Lionel Messi will lead an Argentina team containing Angel Di Maria, who starts for the first time since sustaining a foot injury against Poland in the final round of group games, according to AP.
Di Maria takes the place of Leandro Paredes in midfield as Argentina again rolls out a 4-4-2 formation, with Messi one of the two forwards. Nicolas Tagliafico is preferred to Marcos Acuña at left back.
Kylian Mbappé starts up front for France alongside Olivier Giroud, who has overcome a minor knee injury. Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot come in for Ibrahima Konaté and Youssouf Fofana, respectively.
Line-ups:
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi.
France: Hugo Lloris; Jules Koundé, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antoine Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud.
According to Reuters, Argentina and France – La Albiceleste and Les Bleus – are the two teams left in the tournament. Both countries are looking to win the final and take home the top prize for the third time in their history.
Qatar is the smallest host country in the tournament’s near 100-year history. It is also the first World Cup to be played in the Arab world.
The final is being played in Lusail Stadium, an enormous golden bowl that is one of seven newly-built arenas for a tournament costing more than $200 billion.
Today is not only the World Cup final, but also Qatar’s national day. There is also something else in the air at Lusail stadium.
