Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France, is unfazed by the possibility that Les Bleus may interfere with Lionel Messi’s attempt to win the World Cup on Sunday.
Messi has already declared that the championship match at Lusail Stadium will be his final appearance at a World Cup.
In that sense, it is his final chance to win the single major award he has yet to take home, potentially solidifying his title as “best of all time.”
For many, Messi must win the World Cup in order for his legacy to surpass that of Diego Maradona, the legendary player for the Albiceleste.
As such, there is undoubtedly huge anticipation surrounding Argentina’s prospects in the final, but Deschamps – whose France side are bidding to become the first European side to retain the World Cup since 1938 – is not worried about the likelihood of it feeling like it is France against the world.
Asked if he got the feeling France were “alone” in that respect, Deschamps said: “I often get that feeling, but I’m fine being alone, that doesn’t bother me. These uncertainties always arise.
“We are here, we’ve done all we can to be well-prepared for the game against Argentina.
“Lionel Scaloni has also had some challenges; they lost their first match to Saudi Arabia, of course, but they are still here.
“And like us, we haven’t had to face everyone in this tournament, but in the games we’ve played, we’ve managed to come out as victors.
“I don’t have any particular worries or stresses for [the final]. I think when you prepare for a game like this, you need to keep your focus, remain composed, and with a World Cup final in particular you have the match but also the context around it.