Fans count down the hours to final
Excited fans in France and Argentina are counting down the hours to what promises to be a memorable World Cup final in Doha.
History is on the line for both sides. France is aiming to become just the third team to retain the trophy in its 92-year history, following in the footsteps of Italy and Brazil.
Their head coach Didier Deschamps – who captained France to victory in 1998 – is also vying to become the first manager since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1938 to win consecutive titles.
For Argentina, the hopes and dreams of the nation rest on the shoulders of Lionel Messi. Arguably the greatest player of all time, he is hoping to crown a glittering career with a World Cup winners medal in what the 35-year-old says will be his final game for his country.
In Buenos Aires it feels like the future happiness of the nation is riding on this World Cup final.
Argentina is a country in a deep economic crisis. Rampant inflation means so many millions struggle to get through each month – but along comes Lionel Messi and the Argentina team doing exceptionally well to get to the final and everyone here now seems to have parked their worries and instead are focussing on football.
“This country has been hit so hard, the cup is uniting us, we have this personality, the best footballer in the world and he’s loved everywhere,” says bar owner Luis Sarni.
Beyond Messi though, the entire team is doing its country proud.
“They say the football pitches don’t vibrate, they have a heartbeat,” Luis says. “Every Argentine sees themselves as a coach, everyone has a different opinion, but the moment we celebrate, we cry, we cry a lot – and hug!”
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