Lionel Messi is hoping to crown his astronomical career by leading Argentina to World Cup glory on Sunday but Kylian Mbappe’s history-chasing France is standing in his way.

Qatar’s World Cup has been discolored by controversy off the pitch but it concludes with the electrifying prospect of a final between two of global football’s powerhouses.

France may need every hour available as kick-off looms after their camp was struck by infection, forcing a number of players to sit out training and giving coach Didier Deschamps an unwanted headache.

Argentina and France are both aiming to win the trophy for the third time, with Les Bleus habitual to the final four years after their triumph in Moscow.

Back-to-back titles would be a monumental success for the side coached by Deschamps — the only teams to have done it previously is Italy in the 1930s and Pele’s Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Yet that potential achievement is trumped by Messi’s quest to win the ultimate prize in the game in what is almost certainly his final World Cup match.

The former Barcelona star has won everything going at club level, also claiming the Ballon d’Or seven times, and last year led Argentina to victory in the Copa America.