After 63 games of group play, the round of 16, quarterfinals and the semi finals, we finally have our title matchup. Argentina, who is led by the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi. And France, who is the defending champion and is led by a young superstar of their own in Kylian Mbappe. So who should a casual fan root for this Sunday?
This last video was every goal from the group stage if you want to watch them all. Last note, the only good soccer announcer is Peter Drury. Every American is absolutely brutal to listen to.
Argentina
To call a team that features the GOAT and underdog seems comical. While on paper they may actually be the favorite I live by the old adage that you (in this case France) are the champion until you lose that trophy.Lionel Messi. That is the reason you root for Argentina. Calling him a generational talent just feels wrong. The world has never seen a talent like his before. He has won literally every trophy there is to win at the Club and International level EXCEPT the FIFA World Cup. At 35 years old, he has already announced that win or lose this will be his final World Cup appearance. I can admit that I am a sports fan that likes when teams or players are dominant and go on long winning runs. For that reason I, a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, want Messi to win to cap a wonderful career and sail off into the sunset that is the French League and eventually the MLS.
France
I just stated that I love when teams are dominant and go on long run and that is what France has the ability to do on Sunday. There hasn’t been a back to back winner of the World Cup so that would be kinda cool to see.Before the tournament began France has ruled out 2018 mainstays Ngolo Kante and Paul Pogba. Later injuries to Karim Benzema, Christopher Nkunku and Lucas Hernandez meant that this title defense would lie solely in the hands of Kylian Mbappe. And boy has he delivered. Mbappe, who pretty much owns his club team PSG , has scored 5 goals and is currently tied for the Golden Ball lead.
Final Thoughts and Prediction:
Argentina wins 4-3. (5-4 in a shootout). The last time they played in the World Cup was 2018 when France won 4-2. I think this will also be a high scoring affair by soccer standards and the Argentines win in a shootout. Lionel Messi will add the only missing trophy to his trophy case and France will go home devastated.
29yo, 2 kids, former place kicker for the worst high school football team in Minnesota history. 2/2 xp, 0/2 field goals, led the state in total punts.