France striker Giroud comments on facing Messi in World Cup final

France forward Olivier Giroud says they will let not let Lionel Messi do as he pleases when they face Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

The eagerly-awaited mouthwatering showpiece is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 [SA time]. 

This comes after the defending champions France got the better of Morocco 2-0 in the semifinals on Wednesday night, thanks to goals by Theo Hernandez and Kolo Muani. 

Giroud stated that Messi is one of a kind and an “incredible player”, however, they will do everything in their power to “stop him” on the day.

The ex-Barcelona star frontman, Messi has been phenomenal in the prestigious tournament having scored five goals, joint top goalscorer with his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe of France. 

Messi, who will feature in his last World Cup game against France has also set a new record as he became Argentina’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 11 strikes.

GIROUD ON FACING LIONEL MESSI…

“Messi is an incredible player. But we’re not going to let him enjoy the best night that he can have,” Giroud told The Athletic. 

“We want to win this game and the World Cup and we will try everything to stop him.

“There is not only Messi in that team. They have great players who work for the team also. That’s why they are so strong.”

HOW FRANCE DEALT WITH MESSI IN 2018…

The AC Milan striker continued: “I remember in 2018 N’Golo [Kante] was all the game behind his back.

“This time I don’t know what will be the plan, we will see with the manager.”

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid goalscorer Antoine Griezmann added: We’ve seen Argentina play, we know how they play, they are a difficult team to play against and they seem to be on top form.

“There isn’t only Messi, they have a strong side around him. It will be a tough game and they will have a lot of support in the crowd.”

If France wins on Sunday, they will become the first country to defend their World Cup title in 60 years.

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