Lionel Messi’s Argentina team-mates are being driven by a desire to ensure their one-time idol cements his place in World Cup history on Sunday.
Messi is 90 minutes away from immortality, as he bids to emulate Diego Maradona and lead Argentina to World Cup glory for the first time since 1986.
Standing in his way are holders France — and his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe — who are bidding to become the first team to defend their title since Brazil in 1962.
Argentina were in danger of an early exit after losing their opening match to Saudi Arabia, but now their players are determined to help their star player finally win the one trophy that has eluded him.
Many of the Argentina squad grew up idolising Messi and are fuelled by a sense of destiny in what will be his final chance to get his hands on the biggest prize in the game.
“It is a dream that I could not even imagine, to be lining up alongside Leo,” said Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez ahead of Sunday’s final here. “I feel like it is a dream I just realised, but did I even believe I could have this dream? This is a joy for everyone, we are happy with what we are achieving and we are going for more. We are just happy to do it for the country and our fans. I’m happy personally and for the group, we deserved this.”
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes added: “Playing with Messi is a great thing and we all want to get the most out of it, we all love playing for our country.”
Messi was feeling his hamstring during Tuesday’s semi-final win over Croatia, but the 35-year-old insists he is “feeling strong” ahead of his last dance. Sunday will be his 26th — an all-time record — and last World Cup appearance. In his fifth attempt, it is his final chance win the trophy he has craved.
Messi has won seven Ballon d’Ors, four Champions Leagues, 11 top-flight titles and led Argentina to Copa America glory last year, but the World Cup is the one glaring omission on his CV and he is determined to make up for losing the 2014 final against Germany.
France coach Didier Deschamps has warned the defending champions will do “everything humanly possible” to stop Messi realising his dream.
Olivier Giroud insisted the holders “will not let him enjoy” the occasion and the French are confident, with Mbappe bidding to win a second World Cup before he turns 24.
Mbappe and Messi are level on five goals in the race for the Golden Boot, and their personal battle is the star attraction of what promises to be an intriguing final.
Millions will be watching back home in Argentina, and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said: “We feel the energy of so many people.
“The country is dreaming about lifting the trophy after so many years. We sacrificed to reach this stage. It will be a hard final, it always is in a World Cup Final.
“We have got further than teams like England and Brazil. We are very conscious that, if we won, people would not forget it for years to come.”
