France forward Olivier Giroud hailed Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi calling him an incredible player but said Les Bleus will do everything to stop him. Messi has been in top form in the ongoing marquee event, scoring five goals in six matches.

Thus, the talisman has led from the front as he has delivered for the team in the biggest sporting carnival. Messi scored from the spot kick in the semifinal against Croatia and also provided a fine assist to Julian Alvarez after bamboozling Joska Gvardiol, the best defender of the tournament.

Thus, he played an instrumental role in beating Croatia by 3-0 to help his team qualify for the final. This is the final chance for Messi to add the World Cup trophy to his glittering cabinet as he has confirmed that this will be his last appearance in the quadrennial event.

On the other hand, France defeated Morocco by 2-0 to seal their place in the final of the event.

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

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

Giroud admitted Argentina has a potent squad barring Messi.

“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.”

Meanwhile, France defeated Argentina by 4-3 in the Round of 16 match in the previous World Cup in Russia. Giroud revealed N’Golo Kante had breathed down the neck of Messi in that game. However, Kante is not part of the current France team due to an injury.

He added: “I remember in 2018 N’Golo was all the game behind his back. “This time I don’t know what will be the plan, we will see with the manager.”

France and Argentina will take on each other in the final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.