Brussels, Dec 15, (dpa/GNA) – French President, Emmanuel Macron, has huge respect for Lionel Messi, whose Argentina team will face France in the World Cup final in Qatar, on Sunday.
Messi finally wants to win the trophy a first time, but out to stop will be the French title holders around Kylian Mbappe, who plays together with Messi at French champions, Paris Saint-Germain.
“He is a great player when he plays in Paris, but I prefer him in Paris than in his national team,” Macron said of Messi on Thursday, at a European Union summit in Brussels.
He added he had big respect for the “wonderful” Argentina team, but remains upbeat that his French team will lift the trophy, because the team was well prepared and had a great mix of young and experienced players.
“I believe we are the favourites,” Macron said.
Macron was in attendance Wednesday in Al Khor, when France booked their place in the final with a 2-0 victory against Morocco. He has said he would be back in Qatar for the final in Lusail.
GNA