Jurgen Klinsmann believes Lionel Messi and Argentina are favourites against France in World Cup 2022 final in Qatar

Jurgen Klinsmann believes that Argentina are the favourites in the World Cup final against France, but only if they keep their cool.

Argentina have had a remarkable World Cup to get to the final. They were woeful as they lost their opening group stage game against Saudi Arabia, but were able to turn things around as several key players put in improved performances.

Klinsmann thinks that Argentina are the favourites if they can keep their emotions in check, but is aware that they know how close they have come to winning the tournament outright in what is almost certainly Messi’s final World Cup appearance.

The former Germany and United States manager said on BBC One: “It will be interesting, both have very similar approaches. Their opponent takes the majority of the possession.”

He continued: “I think it comes down a little bit to their emotional factor. If Argentina can balance their emotions – their expectations are through the roof – and in the beginning of the tournament they failed to deal with it and they were nervous against Mexico.

“If Argentina can balance the emotional side out, they are so hungry for this title. If they’re capable, they’re my favourites.”

Former England international Alex Scott saw things a little differently, reeling off the names of some of France’s most dangerous attackers.

“Defence, when I look at that, I think France’s defence is a lot stronger and harder to break down,” she began.

“I think if you keep [Kylian] Mbappe quiet they have [Antoine] Griezmann, [Olivier] Giroud, [Ousmane] Dembele.

“I think Griezmann has got to be up there for player of the tournament, personally.”

Former Manchester City and Aston Villa defender Micah Richards found it hard to separate the two, with Messi and Mbappe two dangerous players.

“It’s Messi and Mbpappe, whoever turns up on the day wins it,” he said. “Argentina defend well but whenever France concede, you think they could score again.”