DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi will line up for Argentina and Kylian Mbappé shall be on the alternative aspect for France on Sunday within the World Cup closing.Messi has been there earlier than, however misplaced within the 2014 closing to Germany. Mbappé gained the 2018 title after scoring a objective towards Croatia.Nevertheless, neither will have the ability to win the gold trophy completely on their very own at Lusail Stadium.Here’s a take a look at a number of the key gamers on each groups, and their coaches:___LIONEL MESSIThe 35-year-old Messi is the guts and soul of the Argentina crew, the match’s co-leading scorer with 5 objectives and tied for probably the most assists with three. Search for the Paris Saint-Germain ahead to burst into inventive life when he sees an opportunity to make one thing occur. A World Cup title would lastly full Messi’s elevation alongside Diego Maradona to icon standing.JULIAN ALVAREZAlvarez made it off the bench to interchange Lautaro Martinez because the World Cup progressed and scored 4 objectives in 4 begins with Argentina. The 22-year-old Machester Metropolis participant is a robust runner who created an ideal partnership with Messi within the 3-0 win over Croatia within the semifinals.EMILIANO MARTINEZMartinez is an imposing 6-foot-4 goalkeeper with a character to match his stature. “Dibu” could be favored if the ultimate goes to a penalty shootout. The 30-year-old Aston Villa keeper made key saves in Argentina’s shootout win over the Netherlands within the quarterfinals and in final yr’s Copa America semifinals.NAHUEL MOLINAMolina is an brisk fullback with the toughness anticipated of any Argentina defender. The 24-year-old Atletico Madrid defender additionally has attacking instincts. He obtained the no-look move of the match from Messi to attain towards the Netherlands.ENZO FERNANDEZFernandez began the match as an alternative however was within the crew to remain after scoring together with his quick ft and a curling shot in Argentina’s victory over Mexico. The 21-year-old Benfica participant anchors the middle of midfield and shall be attempting to cease Antoine Griezmann’s ahead forays.LIONEL SCALONIScaloni was an assistant coach on the 2018 World Cup — when Argentina exited within the spherical of 16 towards France – and is now an unheralded success within the prime job. He introduced a 35-game unbeaten run to Qatar that included ending a protracted watch for a Copa America final yr. The 44-year-old Scaloni has succeeded in surrounding Messi with a midfield that lets him flourish.___KYLIAN MBAPPEMbappé is France’s quickest, most dynamic scoring risk on the sphere. The 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain ahead is tied with Messi with a World Cup-leading 5 objectives. A standout recreation towards Argentina will place him among the many all-time greats.ANTOINE GRIEZMANNThe 31-year-old Griezmann has been a revelation for France at this yr’s World Cup. As soon as a goal-scoring winger, the Atletico Madrid ahead has added relentless defensive safety to his inventive craft. A duel might develop with Messi between the traces of Argentina’s assault.HUGO LLORISThe 35-year-old Tottenham goalkeeper is poised to turn out to be the first-ever captain of two World Cup-winning groups. A quiet-spoken chief by instance, he now holds France’s all-time look document.RAPHAEL VARANEAt his third World Cup, the 29-year-old Varane is a fixture within the middle of a France protection that retains altering due to damage and sickness. The four-time Champions League winner at Actual Madrid is again to close his elegant greatest after an damage scare in October.AURELIEN TCHOUAMENITchouaméni arrived on the world stage forward of schedule within the midfield position Paul Pogba had for France 4 years in the past. He matched Pogba’s taking pictures energy together with his objective towards England. Studying at Actual Madrid this season, after spurning Mbappé’s urging to go to PSG, ought to put together the 22-year-old midfielder for going through Argentina.DIDIER DESCHAMPSIn his eleventh yr as France coach, Deschamps can turn out to be solely the second man to steer two World Cup-winning groups and the primary since 1938. The 54-year-old Deschamps has built-in inexperienced gamers to interchange injured veterans with out dropping any of his crew’s typical calm assurance.___
Key gamers in World Cup closing between France and Argentina
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