Argentina World Cup 2022 squad, predicted line-up versus France and star players

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is the preferred first-choice stopper for Argentina. He has been phenomenal throughout the World Cup and his performance against the Dutch during the penalty shootout in the quarter-finals has earned him a special place in Argentine hearts.

Franco Armani, who plays for River Plate, is another option for Scaloni. Villarreal stopper Geronimo Rulli is the third goalkeeper in the squad.

Argentina's backline has had a decent outing in the tournament with Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero at the heart of defence.

Lisandro Martinez is also fighting for a place in the line-up with some impressive displays, while Nicolas Tagliafico proved his mettle against Croatia and is giving tough competition to Matheus Acuna for the left-back position.

Argentina pose a strong threat from midfield as they have a nice mix of experience and youth, although they are without Giovano Lo Celso, who was ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Rodrigo De Paul is the mainstay in the centre of the park, while Leandro Paredes also offers additional strength in midfield when Scaloni decides to mix and match.

Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister have also made a significant impact at the tournament in Qatar and should start in the final.

It's hard to complain about your team's attack when you have Lionel Messi leading the line.

Messi has been in excellent form for Paris Saint-Germain this season and has continued to shine for his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as well. With five goals and three assists to his name, he is gunning for the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards of this World Cup.

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez offer excellent support to Messi and the former should start against France after bagging a brace in the semi-finals.

Nicolas Gonzalez was removed from the squad due to injury and replaced by Angel Correa. Joaquin Correa was also ruled out and was replaced by Thiago Almada.

There have been concerns over the fitness of both Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala, although both players have featured at the tournament.

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the talisman of the squad. He is in perfect shape and form going into the final and should hand a tough time to the French backline.

Manchester City youngster Julian Alvarez has also been a growing influence and heads into the clash against France in excellent form.

Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez are the two other notable names in attack. Both players are good options and have a strong understanding with Messi.

Alexis Mac Allister showed what he is capable of against Poland and has established himself as a regular in midfield along with Enzo Fernandez, who also has been turning many heads with impressive displays in the World Cup.

Finally, the Albiceleste boast a safe pair of hands in Emiliano Martinez, who has hardly put a foot wrong. With successive clean sheets against Mexico and Poland in the group stage, he has already established himself as one of the contenders for the Golden Glove award. He also made a vital save in the last 16 against Australia to prevent the Socceroos forcing extra-time and then made three saves in the penalty shootout win against the Netherlands.

Martinez should continue to stand between the sticks for Argentina.

Acuna should make a comeback in the left-back position after serving his suspension against Croatia. Meanwhile, Molina looks like the best bet to flank the formidable centre-back pairing of Otamendi and Romero on the right.

Mac Allister should keep his place, with Fernandez, Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul as partners in a traditional four-man midfield.

Messi is ready to lead the Argentinian attack once again and all eyes will be on him. Alvarez should start alongside his skipper after his brilliant display against Croatia.

Argentina XI (4-4-2): Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Acuna; Mac Allister, De Paul, Fernandez, Paredes; Alvarez, Messi.