After a thrilling tournament for the 2022 edition of the World Cup in Qatar, the Final is upon us. And what a story this match should be, as one of soccer’s all-time greats in Lionel Messi looks for hist first-ever World Cup, against the defending champs from France.
Lionel Messi makes his 26th appearance at the men's World Cup, a new record 🍷 pic.twitter.com/Kh5b2bw4dJ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 18, 2022
Adding to the intrigue is that this will be very likely be Messi’s last ever match for Argentina. But he and his teammates enter the Final feeling confident and quite strong, and it seems like long ago from that shock opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia.
France enter having dealth with injuries and a cold virus in the lead up to Sunday’s clash. Didier Deschamps again has his group playing excellent soccer, combining excellent ball-winning with lethal passing and finishing. That said, their head-to-head stats vs. Argentina haven’t been all that great – winning just three of their past 12 meetings. They’ve won seven World Cup knockout games in a row, but this version of Argentina will very much enter in good form, and will certainly be playing for Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi at 23 vs Kylian Mbappé at 23:
– Games: 269 vs 302
– Goals: 180 vs 222
– Assists: 82 vs 111
– Major Honours: 11 vs 12 pic.twitter.com/gITpGF2Okr— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 17, 2022
Continue reading on beneath the posted odds and betting history, for the latest news, trends, and information to help you make an informed decision when betting on this year’s World Cup. With all that is on the line, this Final showdown between France and Argentina surely won’t disappoint. Enjoy the game, folks!
Argentina vs. France Live Odds & Betting History
Betting odds provided by BOVADA
| TEAMS | FRANCE | ARGENTINA |
| MONEYLINE | +180 | +160 |
| SPREAD | 0 (+100) | 0 (-115) |
| TOTAL | Over 2.5 (+100) | Under 2.5 (-120) |
| TEAM DATA | ARGENTINA | FRANCE |
| Overall Record | 5-1-1 | 4-1-1 |
| Home/Away Record | 2-0-1 | 1-2-0 |
| Expected Goals | 2.55 | 2.19 |
| Expected Goals Allowed | 1.33 | 1.25 |
| Clean Sheets | 40% | 60% |
Argentina vs. France Prediction
As good as France has been, it’s tough to deny Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentineans as they enter in excellent form. Messi at his advanced age will still be the best, most influential player on the pitch, and France will certainly have their hands full in trying to defend the diminutive striker. His dribbling and outside shot-making has been clinical at this year’s World Cup, and expect more glory against a mediocre Hugo Lloris on Sunday.
France are looking to become the first back-to-back men’s World Cup winners since Brazil in 1958-62 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/iZ72R8o9Hu
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 18, 2022
He’s been involved in 19 of Argentina’s goals here in Qatar, and one more would mark a World Cup record. On France’s left defense, they’re weak and banged-up – with Theo Hernandez likely a step behind, and Man United’s Raphael Varane don’t have the pace to keep up with Messi, or Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez for that matter. Argentina’s attack and finishing has been lethal, and France should concede in this contest.
The key for Argentina will be keeping France out. Though the French lost Karim Benzema just before this tournament commenced, Olivier Giroud has filled the void quite well. He’s been lethal in the air and dangerous inside the box, and along with Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe – Les Bleus also boast a formidable attack. Expect Argentina to start out somewhat conservatively – with three imposing center backs along their defensive line, before gradually ramping up the pressure.
Most chances created in the World Cup 2022 👏
1⃣7⃣ – 🇫🇷 Antoine Griezmann
1⃣6⃣ – 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
1⃣1⃣ – 🇫🇷 Ousmane Dembele
1⃣1⃣ – 🇫🇷 Theo Hernandez
1⃣0⃣ – 🇷🇸 Dusan Tadic
1⃣0⃣ – 🇳🇱 Cody Gakpo pic.twitter.com/dXiDbpfZer— Stats24 (@_Stats24) December 13, 2022
Expect a back-and-forth affair, with great action throughout. Both teams possess plenty of skill, talent, and attacking flair – though it’s Argentina that can better take advantage of the opposing defenders. It also helps that they seem more unified, and enter in better form. Lionel Messi has long deserved World Cup glory, and his squad has the talent to deliver that on Sunday vs. France in what should be a thriller.
Argentina vs. France Trends To Know:
- Argentina is 6-4-1 in its last 11 matches.
. - The OVER is 3-0 in Argentina’s last 3 matches.
. - France is 8-2-1 in its last 11 matches.
- Argentina have scored at least 2 goals in their last 5 matches (FIFA World Cup).
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Argentina’s last 3 games (FIFA World Cup).
While both sides have put together thoroughly impressive tournaments, there can only be one victor. Argentina is quicker and younger, aside from the pace of Mbappe. And expect Argentina’s imposing defenders to have answers for the PSG star. Meanwhile, the plodding back-line of France will struggle to take on Lionel Messi, and look for Argentina to finally return to World Cup glory. Backing them on a pick’em line seems like the right call for Sunday.
Four previous tournaments ended in disappointment.
Now it's Leo Messi's Last Dance with the World Cup 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/s2SwfCESG4
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 18, 2022
