LIONEL MESSI WILL BE ‘LICKING HIS LIPS’ AT THE PROSPECT OF PLAYING FRANCE IN 2022 WORLD CUP FINAL, SAYS RIO FERDINAND

Rio Ferdinand has predicted Lionel Messi and Argentina will be “licking their lips” at the prospect of playing France in the 2022 World Cup final on Sunday. An early goal from Theo Hernandez and an effort from Randal Muani off the bench was enough for Les Bleus to beat Morocco, but not without the African side causing the holders problems. The final takes place on December 18.

France saw off a heroic Morocco on Wednesday night to set up a mouth-watering tie with Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final on Sunday.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand believes Lionel Messi and his team-mates will be relishing the thought of playing the current holders.

Theo Hernandez was the first opposition player to score against Morocco in Qatar when he broke the deadlock in the fifth minute of the semi-final, with Randal Muani coming off the bench in the second half to double the lead with his first touch.