Didier Deschamps, the France coach, stated his team would look for a strategy to counter an Argentina player in “scintillating form” named Lionel Messi.

Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France, said he was “immensely proud” after his team advanced to another World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Wednesday. He added that his squad will look for a strategy to counter an Argentina player named Lionel Messi who was in “scintillating form.” After Brazil’s double triumphs in 1958 and 1962, France hopes to become the first team in 60 years to win back-to-back World Cup titles.

“I am immensely proud. It is great to be through to the final but it was not an easy victory,” Deschamps said after an early goal by Theo Hernandez and a late finish from substitute Randal Kolo Muani at Al Bayt Stadium saw off the first ever African or Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final. “We needed a mixture of quality, experience and team spirit, and in difficult periods we had to dig deep but I am really satisfied and proud of my players.”

The defending champions must get ready to take on an Argentina team that has been motivated by Messi on their path to the championship game and that will be seeking vengeance for losing 4-3 to them 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.”