Antoine Griezmann smiled at the thought of the ultimate challenge of this soccer World Cup.

"Every team with Messi has completely different requirements. We've seen Argentina play, we know how they play. They're difficult opponents," said the French attacker when asked about the duel with Argentina's superstar Lionel Messi in the World Cup final Sunday. After the hard-fought 2-0 (1-0) in the semifinals against outsiders Morocco, the Équipe Tricolore is the first team since Brazil 1962 to successfully defend the title.

First of all, the French wanted to enjoy the moment. For the fourth time after 1998, 2006 and 2018, the Équipe Tricolore is in the final of a World Cup. "It's great to be in the final. It wasn't an easy win," said coach Didier Deschamps. In fact, his team needed a bit of luck against the strong Moroccans, especially in the second half. An early goal by Theo Hernández (5th minute) and a late goal by substitute Frankfurter Randal Kolo Muani (79th) decided the game. "We had to overcome challenging moments. I'm very proud," said Deschamps.

Macron congratulates personally

France's President Emmanuel Macron stopped by the dressing room after the semi-final victory and congratulated the team around superstar Kylian Mbappé, who celebrated their victory, but briefly. "I'm already focused on Sunday's final and trying to keep my feet on the ground," said Griezmann, who put in another strong performance against Morocco and was voted player of the match. "I'm trying to recover and prepare for Sunday's game."

Then Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot, who were still ill on Wednesday, should be there again, as Deschamps announced. At the 2018 World Cup, the eventual world champion defeated the Argentines in the round of 16, and this time the French want to spoil Messi again at his last World Cup. "It's a different team than the one we played four years ago," said Deschamps, who announced: "There is one last game. On Sunday we will play for the title."