Former Brazil star Ronaldo is backing France to retain their World Cup title while stating that he cannot support his country’s rivals Argentina.

Lionel Messi probably has one last chance to win the only major trophy he doesn’t already have, but Ronaldo won’t be cheering for the South Americans against Croatia in Tuesday’s semi-final.

“I’m not going to be a hypocrite and say I’ll be happy for Argentina” if they win the World Cup, said Ronaldo. “But I see football as a romantic. And I will appreciate any champion.”

“Since the beginning, my prediction has always been Brazil and France in the final,” the two-time World Cup winner told media including AFP at a roundtable in Doha.

“Brazil are no longer there. But France, match after match, are backing up their status as favourites and I still see them as the big favourites.”

The Brazil legend is expecting defending champions France to see off Morocco to book their place in the final.

“I would really like (Morocco to win) but I don’t think they will. I think France have a very solid team, whether it’s in defence, attack or midfield,” said the twice former Ballon d’Or winner.