Argentina vs France: Check out LiveScore's combined XI

Mitchell Fretton
LiveScore
France playmaker Antoine Griezmann earns a spot in our World Cup final combined XI
France playmaker Antoine Griezmann earns a spot in our World Cup final combined XI

Argentina and France will go head-to-head in the World Cup final on Sunday as the tournament in Qatar draws to a close.

Lionel Messi will be vying to add the elusive trophy to his collection while Les Bleus are aiming to become just the third nation to retain the title.

Ahead of the match, we have put together a combined XI — lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation — featuring some of football's biggest stars.

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris (France)

Hugo Lloris has looked back to his best for the reigning champions and has pulled out some crucial saves across the tournament.

The Tottenham stopper, 35, could become the first player to win back-to-back World Cups as captain of his national side but he will have some task keeping Messi and Co at bay.

Having conceded only five goals in six outings, France will be hoping that Lloris can secure a clean sheet on the grandest stage.

Right-back: Nahuel Molina (Argentina)

Atletico Madrid's flying full-back Nahuel Molina has featured in every game for Argentina in Qatar.

Molina scored in the quarter-final victory over the Netherlands but will have to be measured in his approach to the French attack.

The 24-year-old will play a pivotal role for Lionel Scaloni's men and will be required to make an impact both defensively and in the final third.

Centre-back: Raphael Varane (France)

Raphael Varane did not feature in France's first game against Australia, but his performance against Denmark helped lock down a starting role for the rest of the tournament.

Didier Deschamps has utilised his squad depth — especially in defence  — with Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano rotating.

But there is no doubting the quality of Manchester United defender Varane who will have a busy night against Argentina centre forward Julian Alvarez if he recovers from the flu in time to line up.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Cristian Romero has been a colossus for Argentina
Cristian Romero has been a colossus for Argentina

Cristian Romero was run close by Nicolas Otamendi and Konate for the remaining centre-back spot, but his display against Croatia earns him a place.

The 24-year-old was withdrawn in the first match of the tournament with an ongoing hamstring issue, but he has been a reliable presence since his return.

His aggressive nature has helped Argentina limit their opponents to an average of 5.7 shots per game, fewer than any other side in the tournament.

Left-back: Theo Hernandez (France)

Fortune has favoured Theo Hernandez after his brother Lucas limped off against Australia in the first match, but he has repaid the faith shown in him by Deschamps.

The AC Milan full-back's goal against Morocco summarised his excellent form in Qatar and he could have a large role to play in the final.

Marcos Acuna has been excellent at left-back for Argentina, but his suspension for the semi-final clash with Croatia means he misses out of this XI.

Defensive midfield: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

Considered a rising star at Benfica, Enzo Fernandez beats out Rodrigo De Paul for a spot in our engine room.

Reportedly a transfer target for Liverpool, Fernandez had only earned three international caps prior to the World Cup but has played in all six of Argentina's games in Qatar.

The 21-year-old River Plate academy product has showcased his all-round ability and superb technique with his strike against Mexico a standout contribution.

Defensive midfield: Aurelien Tchouameni (France)

Aurelien Tchouameni has dominated the midfield for France in Qatar
Aurelien Tchouameni has dominated the midfield for France in Qatar

Having secured a big-money move to Real Madrid last summer, Aurelien Tchouameni has been a midfield anchor for his country in Qatar.

Adrien Rabiot has been a handy accomplice alongside the 22-year-old, but Tchouameni provides more defensive stability than the Juventus man.

His long-range effort against England was a demonstration of the excellent ability the Los Blancos ace possesses and Argentina's defence will have to be on high alert when he progresses up the pitch.

Right wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi may be 35, but the magician is still running the show and is set to become the most-capped player in World Cup history on Sunday.

His vision remains the best in the world and it almost seems destined that he will lift the trophy in what will be his last appearance at the global showpiece.

Although he may not provide much defensive support, his ability comfortably sees him take a spot on the right flank ahead of Ousmane Dembele.

Attacking midfield: Antoine Griezmann (France)

His club form may not have been up to his usual lofty standards this term, but Antoine Griezmann's performances for France remain of the highest quality.

A regular starter for his country at the age of 31, the Atletico Madrid maestro has created 21 chances in Qatar, more than any other player.

Alexis Mac Allister would have been a nice fit for this position, but Griezmann's quality is too evident to ignore and he edges the Brighton man as a result.

Left wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Kylian Mbappe has not been shy in front of goal
Kylian Mbappe has not been shy in front of goal

Kylian Mbappe and Messi look set to go toe-to-toe in the race for the Golden Boot, with both players currently sitting on five goals.

With there being no clear candidate to win the Ballon d'Or in 2023, the eventual winner of the weekend's game may take home the prestigious trophy, Golden Boot and title of football's best player.

Regardless, there is no competition for Mbappe's place and the 23-year-old could be on course to become the fifth player to score in two World Cup finals.

Striker: Julian Alvarez (Argentina)

In a toss up between the pair, Alvarez beats out Olivier Giroud to spearhead our attack.

The Manchester City youngster, 22, has kept the likes of Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez on the bench during their stay in Qatar and is still in contention to win the Golden Boot.

Although Giroud has also tallied four goals, the 36-year-old AC Milan striker loses out to his opposing No9.

Check out LiveScore's combined XI for the World Cup final
Check out LiveScore's combined XI for the World Cup final

Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.

Tags

World CupArgentinaFranceLionel MessiKylian Mbappe LottinHugo LlorisRaphael VaraneCristian RomeroJulian Alvarez