Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has suggested that Argentina are the 'slight favourite' to win the World Cup final on Sunday.
France, who won the tournament in 2018, are bidding to become the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy, while Argentina are looking to triumph for the third time in history.
Didier Deschamps' men defeated Morocco, England and Poland in the knockout stages in Qatar. Paris Saint-Germain talisman Kylian Mbappe has scored five goals at the tournament and is level in the goalscoring charts with club teammate Lionel Messi - who he will face off against at the weekend.
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Meanwhile, Argentina overcame Croatia, Netherlands and Australia to reach a sixth World Cup final, with Messi having also scored five times at the tournament. The PSG attacker is yet to win the World Cup, having finished as runner-up in 2014 when Germany beat Argentina in extra-time.
Former United midfielder Keane believes the form of Messi makes Argentina 'slight favourites' ahead of Sunday’s final - while also admitting who he wants to see lift the trophy.
"It’s intriguing, it’s a great final and one to really look forward to," Keane told ITV Football. "You look at France against Morocco and England and you think they’re not great, but they get the job done. They’ve conceded one goal in those two games and that was a penalty.
"But Argentina, with all the support behind them, the energy of the team and of course Lionel Messi, you would have to say they are slight favourites.
"We saw glimpses of peak Messi [in the semi-final win over Croatia]. He’s done it for years and years. The guy is fantastic and I love watching him. You know what, I hope they win it, even if it’s just for him."
The Irishman added: "I think Argentina will be encouraged by how many chances Morocco got and how easy it was to get through the France midfield.
"But look, Sunday is a different game. The intensity will be different. France are the World champions so they will be confident and they’re attacking players can certainly hurt Argentina.
"There will be respect there but both teams will fancy their chances. That’s why it’s set up for a brilliant game."
United defenders Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will come head-to-head in the showpiece event on Sunday, with both centre-backs expected to feature in the clash.
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