Didier Deschamps, France head coach, has said that his players will try to reduce Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s influence when both teams clash in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar on Sunday.
He said this during his post-match press conference after France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final match on Wednesday night.
Goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani ensured the defending champions qualified for the World Cup final.
France will now face Argentina, who defeated Croatia 2-0 in the World Cup final this weekend.
“Messi is really shining in this tournament,” Deschamps said during his post-match press conference after France defeated Morocco.
“Four years ago, it was different. He played as a center forward against us, and it was not what I expected at the time. He’s more of a two-man team now, with real freedom, and he touches a lot of the ball. He’s very fit physically.
“We’ll try to limit his influence, just as the Argentinians will try to limit the influence of some of my players. But Argentina isn’t in the same position as it was four years ago.”
