Lusail Iconic Stadium plays host to the 2022 World Cup final this weekend.
France are one match away from becoming the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Argentina are aiming to become world champions for a third time, and their first since 1986.
This is Lionel Messi’s last shot at World Cup glory, the lone accolade missing from his unparalleled career.
Standing in his way is PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappé, who could have two World Cup winners’ medals before his 24th birthday.
To Lift The Trophy: Argentina
Argentina are a more cohesive team than France.
A lot of the focus will be on what Mbappé and Messi can produce, and understandably so, but France have had to ride their luck to make it this far.
In contrast, Argentina have conceded just 0.38 expected goals per 90.
Lionel Scaloni has made his team solid but they commit enough men forward to support Messi when they have possession, too.
France have the individual talent to win the match, yet Argentina are a more-rounded side, and represent the value pick here.
First Goalscorer: Lionel Messi
It’s written in the stars, isn’t it?
Lionel Messi is tied for the most goals and most assists at this World Cup. His genius has been on full display in Argentina’s knockout wins, including numerous moments of brilliance against Croatia in the semi-final.
Joško Gvardiol was arguably the best defender at the World Cup, and even he was turned inside and out by Messi. France’s defenders have been far from perfect in one-on-one situations.
Leading the World Cup with 4.5 shots per match, and with the possibility of a spot kick against this rash France defence, this is superb value on Messi to open the scoring.
Both Teams To Score: Yes
For all the talk of Argentina’s resilience in defence, stopping France scoring is a far greater ask than any other team they have faced.
The way they crumbled against the Netherlands’ long balls could suggest some joy for Olivier Giroud as a focal point of Les Bleus’ attack, too.
France’s clean sheet against Morocco was just their second since March, and they allowed the Atlas Lions plenty of chances.
All odds are subject to change