France coach Didier Deschamps says his team would try to find a way of countering Lionel Messi in “scintillating form” for Argentina.

The defending champions are set to face Argentina in the finals of the World Cup at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail on Sunday evening.

However they must prepare to face an Argentina side who have been inspired on their way to the final by Messi and who will be seeking revenge for a 4-3 defeat when the teams met in the last 16 four years ago.

“Messi has been in scintillating form since the start of the tournament,” Deschamps admitted.

“Four years ago things were different. He played as a centre forward, whereas now he is playing in a front two or just in behind the striker.

“He looks in great shape and of course he is one of the best players in the world so we will try to counter Messi’s threat as much as possible, just as Argentina will try to stop the influence of some of my players.”