World Cup finale, Messi or Mbappe?
On the 18th, Lusail Stadium, Qatar World Cup football match will usher in the final battle.
I'm afraid that no matter how good a screenwriter is, it will be difficult to write a more wonderful World Cup final script. In this World Cup, known as "Ragnarok", the most shining of the "gods", Messi, went all the way to the end, one step away from becoming a champion and becoming a king. Messi is facing the best challenger of the new generation - Mbappe. If he can beat Messi in a head-to-head matchup and lead France to two World Cup titles at the age of 23, he will naturally take over the "scepter of the gods".
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates his victory after a match on December 13. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cao Can
In the top scorers, Messi and Mbappe are both tied for first place with five goals. On the chest of the shirt, Argentina and France also have two stars. The feud over France's 4-3 elimination of Argentina at the last World Cup is vividly remembered, and Mbappe's controversial remarks in May that "South American football is not as advanced as Europe" still rings in his ears. Whether the previous era ended with the most gorgeous gesture, or the new era opened in the most brilliant way, all the suspense was left to the final stage.
France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after a match on November 26. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xiao Yijiu
This much-anticipated decisive battle is destined to write many records. When Messi comes on the game, he will set a new record for the most appearances in the World Cup finals stage (26). In 24 minutes, he will surpass Maldini's record for the longest World Cup final appearance of 2,217 minutes. If he gives in assists, he will leave Pele behind and enjoy the record for most assists in a World Cup knockout stage (now six). Once the team wins, he will equals Klose's record for the most wins (17) in the World Cup finals.
"I'm ready! Come on Argentina. Messi announced domineeringly on social media on the 17th. It was Messi's last World Cup game and the most important of his career.
Argentina's Alvarez (front right) celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi (front left) after scoring a goal in a match on December 13. Photo by Xu Zijian, a reporter from Xinhua News Agency
For Mbappe and his French team, once they win the title, they will be the first team to defend their World Cup title since Brazil in 1962. Posing was unable to participate in the team's title defence after an injury in the group stage, Mbappe had the opportunity to do something that neither Pele had ever accomplished. In addition, Deschamps will become the second manager in history to lead the team to two World Cup titles. As long as he plays in the final, France captain Lowry will also set a record for the most appearances of a World Cup goalkeeper (20).
Judging from the current strength of the team and the state of the game, the two teams are almost comparable. In an extremely intensive World Cup schedule, Argentina, who first qualified, has an extra day of rest, which will bring a lot of physical advantages. Due to flu symptoms and injuries, the French team missed training on the 16th with five players including Varane, which also cast a shadow over the team's prospects. However, Deschamps said in the interview: "I am not nervous about this, the important thing is to stay calm and we will do the best we can." "France's unparalleled depth of squad is Deschamps' biggest reliance.
France coach Deschamps (first from right) celebrates with his team after a match on December 10. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Ga
The key to victory is on the right flank of Argentina and at the same time on the left flank of France. Messi likes to play on the right flank, Kylian Mbappe often roams on the left flank, and the two superstars will face each other directly on the same wing of the pitch. Since Messi and Mbappe basically do not take on defensive tasks, the main full-backs of the two teams on this side Molina and Te'o are the types of strong and weak offensive and defensive types, which team can better protect the gap on this side and seize the loopholes in the opponent's defense, there will be a greater chance of winning.
Of course, the World Cup is never just a competition. FIFA announced on the 17th that the World Cup final day will also hold a grand closing ceremony and post-match music performance. The match kicked off at 6pm local time and FIFA urged all fans to be seated by 4:30pm so as not to miss the pre-match performance of this "unforgettable night".
After the show, two superstars, a final showdown. Does the World Cup in Qatar belong to Messi or Mbappe? The suspense is about to be revealed.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
Reporter: Xiao Shiyao, Wang Haoyu, Zhao Jiantong
Executive Producer: Zhang Yue
Editors: Zhou Zhe, Qing Shan
Internship: Wang Xian
Expect!