×

Messi seeks glory, Argentina meets France in World Cup final

By Bruce Kropp Dec 18, 2022 | 8:52 AM

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — It’s now or never for Lionel Messi in the World Cup final between Argentina and France. The Argentina superstar’s once-in-a-generation career will be defined to many by whether he leads his country to the World Cup title on Sunday. The 35-year-old Messi is looking to win soccer’s biggest prize to secure his place alongside Pelé and Diego Maradona in the pantheon of the game’s greatest-ever players. Standing in his way is defending champion France and Kylian Mbappé. The striker is the player best positioned to take over from Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as soccer’s marquee name and is seeking to emulate Pelé by being a champion at his first two World Cups.