A World Cup final is normally a closely-contested game with neither side participating wanting to commit any errors in the first half, however France vs Argentina did not follow that format. Goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria after just 36 minutes put Argentina firmly in command against France at Lusali Stadium.
Ousmane Dembele felled Di Maria inside the penalty area with Messi calmly converting the spot-kick before Alexis Mac Allister's perfectly-weighted pass was finished by Di Maria. The Juventus forward had not started any of his nation's knockout games but was chosen to play in the front three with Messi and Julian Alvarez.
France had their own selection issues with Raphael Varane, Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano all doubts with the latter two missing the semi-final win over Morocco but all three started the final.
