Excited fans in France and Argentina are counting down the hours to what promises to be a memorable World Cup final in Doha.
History is on both sides of the line. France aim to become only the third team in its 92-year history to retain the trophy, following in the footsteps of Italy and Brazil.
Their head coach Didier Deschamps – who captained France to victory in 1998 – is also aiming to become the first manager since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1938 to win back-to-back titles.
For Argentina, the nation’s hopes and dreams rest on Lionel Messi’s shoulders. Arguably the greatest player of all time, he will be hoping to crown an illustrious career with a World Cup winner’s medal in what the 35-year-old says will be his last for his country. There will be a game.
World Cup in Buenos Aires is a welcome distraction.
In Buenos Aires, it feels like the nation’s future happiness is riding on this World Cup final.
Argentina is a country suffering from deep economic crisis. Rampant inflation means millions struggle to get by each month – but at the same time Lionel Messi and Argentina are doing exceptionally well to reach the final and it seems That everyone here has put their worries away and is focusing on football instead.
“This country has been hit so hard, the cup is uniting us, we have this personality, the best footballer in the world and he’s loved everywhere,” says bar owner Luis Sarni.
Beyond Messi though, the entire team is doing its country proud.
“They say the football pitches don’t vibrate, they have a heartbeat,” Luis says. “Every Argentine sees themselves as a coach, everyone has a different opinion, but the moment we celebrate, we cry, we cry a lot – and hug!”
For young Martin Rojas, an Argentine who lives in France but is back on holiday visiting family, Sunday’s match means a lot.
“It’s my dream – not since I was born in the 90s have I seen Argentina the champion of the world,” he says. “Of course for Messi it’s his last World Cup – it’s a great last chance for him.”
And it’s a chance for Argentina to feel proud of their beautiful, yet troubled country.
