Rio Ferdinand makes World Cup Final Prediction

The former England international has offered his view on how this weekend’s World Cup final will play out between France and Argentina.

Rio Ferdinand thinks Argentina look like the best bet to win the FIFA World Cup final against France.

The two finalists won to nil in their respective semi-final ties to make the showpiece event. Argentina made light work of Croatia in a 3-0 win, while France overcame Morocco 2-0. They will now go toe-to-toe in Lusail on Sunday for the decider.

The last meeting between these sides ended in a seven-goal thriller at the 2018 World Cup. Kylian Mbappe memorably scored a second-half brace in that game, securing a 4-3 win for France in the last 16. This time around, however, Ferdinand suggests an Argentina is on the cards.

“I think the stars are aligning for Lionel Messi,” the ex-Manchester United and Leeds defender said on BBC about the World Cup final.

“We saw him reach 1,000 [competitive] games during this tournament. When the question is asked – who is the best, [Diego] Maradona or Messi, and people say Messi has not won a World Cup. This could be his moment.

“Fairytale wise we wanted Morocco to win [the semi-final against France], but now we’ve got a two final with two megastars in Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. It could be the passing of the baton. Who knows?

“There are so many subplots to what could be a great game. As good as France are, I think Lionel Messi and Argentina will be sitting there licking their lips a little. They will be thinking there are areas they can get at France, particularly down the left-hand area of their defense.

“When France were run at, they panicked a little, and with Julian Alvarez and Messi dancing and wiggling around, it is going to be a great game.”