Argentina or France? – Former Manchester United skipper gives his verdict ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 final

The final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 is around the corner as the defending champions France lock horns with Argentina on Sunday, December 18 2022. Argentina won the title in 1978 and 1986, whereas France won the last edition of the FIFA World Cup in Russia. 

Football experts and fans everyone are predicting the champions of this edition of the FIFA World Cup. Amidst rising predictions and speculations, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has elected Argentina to clinch the title in the finale. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has a slight edge over the defending champions, France, and Messi could be the game-changer.

“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,” he added.

They’re attacking players can certainly hurt Argentina: Roy Keane

The Manchester United legend praised Argentine skipper Messi for his brilliance performance against Croatia in the semi-finals, where he scored the first goal via penalty and then provided an incredible assist to compatriot Julian Alvarez in the 69th minute, who converted it into a goal and made the lead 3-0 that proved to be the winning margin.

“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,” said Keane.

Keane also made other predictions about the final match on Sunday, predicting it will be a fantastic game. “I think Argentina will be encouraged by how many chances Morocco got and how easy it was to get through the France midfield,” highlighted Keane

“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,” he concluded.