This was Lionel Messi’s last real chance — his last opportunity to quiet the doubters and prove he was just as good if not better than Diego Maradona, or Cristiano Ronaldo, or god himself. Unfortunately, even the most ardent of Leo fans would have to admit the Messi World Cup performance was an abject failure.
On Saturday in Kazan, Kylian Mbappe was playing a video game; everyone else was just trying to keep up. In a match full of some of the world’s best talent including the inimitable Lionel Messi, the 19-year-old PSG forward outshined all other stars in the France vs Argentina highlights.
A thrilling first half saw Argentina and France level at 1-1 thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann and Angel Di Maria. Then two right backs took over the scoring, first Gabriel Mercado and then the insanely perfect Benjamin Pavard goal vs Argentina on Saturday.
Argentina's Mercado scored more out of the fortune of being on Lionel Messi's team than anything else, turning in a shot from the No. 10 to give Argentina a 2-1 lead in the 48th minute.
France got off to an early lead against Argentina before the Angel Di Maria goal vs France equalized before half. But let’s quickly go back to The18’s predictions for this match, because we nailed this one, folks. (Not that it was any rocket science.)
Connor: France - Argentina can't play conservatively, but they can't go toe-to-toe with France. Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante absolutely boss the midfield - it could get ugly.
We made it. Now it's time for the knockout stage at the 2018 World Cup. And boy does the first day of the Round of 16 start off with a bang! Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are both in action against a loaded France team and Uruguay team with plenty of talent. Can Argentina keep this mircale going? Will France finally kick it into high gear? Can Cristiano Ronaldo keep carrying a team on his back? What in the hell is Luis Suarez going to do?