France Faces Argentina In Final, Theo Hernandez Independent Must Clashe With Lionel Messi

French national team player, Theo Hernandez. (Photo: Twitter/@FrenchTeam)

French national team defender Theo Hernandez admits Argentina is an extraordinary team. Moreover, there is the figure of Lionel Messi, one of the best players in the world today, in the Albiceleste team.

However, Theo stressed, not afraid. He is ready to clash with Messi in Qatar's 2022 World Cup final.

France qualified for the final match after winning 2-0 over Morocco, Thursday, December 14 this morning. While Argentina kicked Croatia. "Messi didn't scare us, we knew Argentina had an amazing team. We need to recover well to be the best on Sunday," Theo said as quoted by RAI Sport.

France was the first country to reach successive finals since Brazil did so in 2002 and the first European country to do so since Germany in 1990.

This final ticket also opens up opportunities for France to match Italy and Brazil's record as a country that successfully defends its title.

Italy did so when they won the 1934 and 1938 World Cups. Meanwhile, Brazil won the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.

"Playing two consecutive World Cup finals was a great moment. We did a great job, it was difficult, but we were in the final," said Theo.

"We will work hard to win this final. Now we have to think about the final. I'm tired, but happy to win the World Cup semifinals," he added.

On the other hand, Argentina will try to win their third title since the Maradona era won their second title in 1986. This is Albiceleste's third final after taking home their last trophy.

Previously, they entered the finals in 1990 and 2014, but were defeated against the same country, Germany. This total is Argentina's sixth final in World Cup history.