Matt Doherty's World Cup diary | 17 December | Final preview

As a Club, we'll have a World Cup winner arriving back at Hotspur Way as Hugo Lloris and France take on Cristian Romero's Argentina at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday (3pm).

Matt Doherty has given his views and predictions - many of them successful - throughout the tournament and now he looks ahead to the biggest game in world football, plus the third and fourth place play-off between Morocco and Croatia later today (6pm).

Thoughts on the semi-finals

"Croatia-Argentina... I think I predicted 2-0, and Croatia struggled going forward, and then Messi worked his magic. He looked 25 again out there. Croatia had a great tournament again, but it just looks written for Messi. France-Morocco... I was a bit surprised, when France went 1-0 up after five minutes I thought it could end up being at least 3-0. I don't know what it is with France. They've almost been a bit disappointing, but they still get the job done. Morocco, second half, it looked like they might get the equaliser. I expected more from France going forward, maybe they're saving it for the final!"

Third/fourth place play-off

"Morocco-Croatia, it's a tough one to call. Who knows how the teams will line-up with injuries, fatigue now playing a part? It all depends on team selection. I will say that if both teams go 100 per cent - it's a great battle in midfield, by the way - they could play a bit freer, maybe there will be goals in it. I'll go Croatia to win it, 2-1. Hopefully that's the case and Ivan brings home a bronze medal."

The Final

"I guess there aren't many other teams we'd want to see, two huge nations, plus Messi v Mbappe, who of course play together at PSG. It's a strange one. I want Messi to win purely because it's Messi and I feel that puts to bed the G.O.A.T debate. But then France, I don't know what it is... the boys up top should make the difference. I will say France are not totally reliant on one player but for Argentina, it feels like it's about what Messi does, who he sets up, what he does with the ball. It's a tough one to predict."

Key player

"No surprises, but it's going to be Lionel Messi. Whatever Messi shows up decides the game, he's that good. If he shows up how he's showed up so far in the tournament, they've got a good chance. If he's quiet though, I don't know where Argentina are going to get their opportunities from."

Where I'll be watching...

"I'll be watching at home, probably with my sister before she goes back to Dublin for Christmas."

Prediction

"I think both teams will score... my heart wants Messi to win, 2-1, but my head says France might win, 2-1. So, it's 2-1 either way. Let's see what happens. It will be a great day."