The South Americans have improved from game to game and could become the second team in history to triumph after losing on their debut, following Spain in 2010. Scaloni had no problem sacrificing an offensive player to insert Lisandro Martinez against the Netherlands and Paredes against Croatia, finding in Julian Alvarez the ideal partner in attack for Messi and the balance in midfield with the trio Fernandez-Mac Allister-De Paul.
Les Bleus suffered a lot in the semi-final against Morocco, but they are the reigning champions and will most likely start with a very small advantage dictated by the fact that all of the pressure will be on Messi's shoulders. However, the transalpines have an appointment with history: only Pozzo's Italy and Pelè's Brazil have won two consecutive editions, with Lloris becoming the first captain to do so.
Messi Image Credit - by Instagram (@leomessi)
