Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has issued a caution to France ahead of Sunday's epic World Cup final. The 30-year-old shot-stopper says his side is comfortable with being labeled as the underdogs but has asked the defending champions to be weary of how much damage they can cause with Lionel Messi in the team.
Both Argentina and France are prime to make history after deservedly reaching the final with a series of memorable performances and results. On Sunday, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi will also have the opportunity to contest for the golden boot at the competition with the Paris Saint-Germain duo having five goals apiece in each of their last five World Cup appearances.
Ahead of the many mini-battles on Sunday, Martinez has spoken about how France are the favourites to win the competition. Addressing the media at Saturday's press conference, the Aston Villa goalie acknowledged that the Europeans will be a handful but may also have to deal with Lionel Messi who remains the best in the world.
"We've been watching France, it's not just one player. The top 4 are very dangerous and have world-class defenders. We'll try to play our game and hurt them.
"In the Copa América they said that the favorite was Brazil and now they can say it's France. We like that, we don't feel inferior to anyone. We have the best player in the world.
"I see Messi very well and that helps us a lot. This version of him is even better than the one in the Copa América. If we have a good defensive night, there are many chances," Martinez added.
