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We are at the end of the road. Yeah! It's hard to believe it. After a month and 63 games filled with drama, joy and other emotions, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is almost finished. The only thing left to know is who will be the grand champion.
Argentina and France are the finalists, and both are chasing to lift the tournament's trophy for the third time in their history. But that's not all. Their best players, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, are also locking horns, seeking individual glories: the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball.
It's going to be an epic clash. There is no doubt. And here in The18, we have predictions for the year's biggest game.
World Cup final predictions
Many of our writing staff analyzed stats, crossed data points, talked with pillows and finally spoke. Here are their picks.
Dan Boniface (Director of brand, product, platforms, and audience growth)
Argentina 2, France 2 (Argentina wins 4-3 on penalties)
Tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, defending champion France shocks everyone by bringing in the reigning Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema who immediately scores in the first extraperiod to give France a 2-1 lead. With the time running out in the second half of extra time, the G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi creates something out of nothing, leading to the equalizer with just moments to spare. Argentina rides the momentum during penalties to win the World Cup.
Giancarlo Cornejo (Intern writer)
France 2, Argentina 1
Mbappé will score a goal and receive 5+ fouls. Argentina sees a red card at some point in the game.
Connor Fleming (Associate writer)
Argentina 3, France 2 (A.E.T.)
Kylian Mbappé scores the first goal inside 10 minutes.
David Moore (Associate writer)
Argentina 2, France 1
At some point, there's a streaker on the field. Karim Benzema plays, and Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé score.
Luis Vidal (Associate writer)
Argentina 1, France 0
Argentina wins the game in the last 10 minutes with a penalty score by Messi. There is a clear foul before the goal, but people think that FIFA has rigged the whole tournament to handle Messi the trophy. Amidst the celebration, Messi announces that at the end of the 2022-23 season, he is going to go to Miami. For vacations. Or to play in the MLS. Maybe.
