Watching Sunday's World Cup final, Ahmed al-Salem was more emotional than most football fans when Qatar's emir placed a black and gold cloak over the shoulders of Argentina's victorious captain Lionel Messi.

France's Kylian Mbappe scored twice in two minutes late in the game, including an 80th-minute penalty, to salvage a 2-2 draw with Argentina after 90 minutes and force extra time in the World Cup final on Sunday.

After a mesmerising month of upsets, when several brash outsiders threatened soccer's status quo, the World Cup final will have a familiar feel on Sunday when two of the sport's super-heavyweights go toe to toe, each seeking a third title.

Arsene Wenger has praised "leader of the orchestra" Lionel Messi as the Argentine great bids to inspire his team to glory in Sunday's World Cup final against defending champions France.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says the South Americans are happy to be underdogs as they prepare to face defending champions France in the World Cup final on Sunday.

Argentina look set to keep Julian Alvarez in attack for Sunday's World Cup final against France after he scored twice in a devastating combination with Lionel Messi in the semi-final.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni kept his cards close to his chest when quizzed about his likely line-up as he prepares to face holders France in the World Cup final on Sunday.

Pre-tournament favourites Argentina stumbled at the first World Cup hurdle before getting their act together to storm into another final, led by their inspirational skipper Lionel Messi who has moved to the top of the tournament's scoring charts.

Poland's Szymon Marciniak will referee Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and France, the Polish FA said on Thursday.

England skipper Jos Buttler hailed Ben Stokes as "a true match-winner" Sunday after the allrounder's unbeaten 52 helped steer them past Pakistan to win the Twenty20 World Cup.

Alex Hales once pondered the prospect of an unfulfilled career during his long exile from England but the rangy opener can now dream of an elusive World Cup title after helping floor India with a brilliant half-century in the semi-final on Thursday.

One of the game's greatest players, Lionel Messi, has praised Wayne Rooney, calling him a "special" player that's not comparable to any others.

Argentina play their first fixture since losing to Chile in the Copa America final when they go up against Bolivia.

ICC President Mustafa Kamal is denied the opportunity to hand over the World Cup 2015 trophy to the winning captain