Having opened the scoring against Nigeria in his last group stage match, Lionel Messi will be looking to inspire Argentina once again when they face France in the World Cup last 16 clash on Saturday.
The captain’s impressive opening goal put Jorge Sampaoli’s team on their way to a vital victory and into the knockout stages, where he is bet365’s 4/1 (5.00) favourite to open the scoring at the Kazan Arena.
With 65 goals to his name in 127 internationals, the Albiceleste’s all-time top scorer is surely worth backing at 6/4 (2.50) to prove the man for the big occasion once again by scoring anytime.
All eyes on Messi
Gabriel Rossi
Messi will need to be on top form if Gonzalo Higuain puts in a performance as poor as he did against Nigeria, with the Juventus striker an 11/4 (3.75) anytime shot after not scoring for his country since October 2016.
Sergio Aguero did find the net in the opening game against Iceland, but is also priced at 11/4 (3.75) after being dropped due to a reported falling out with the manager.
With a similar embarrassment of riches to call upon up front, Didier Deschamps will be hoping his side’s immensely talented attack can bounce back from a limp display in the goalless draw with Denmark.
Goals for Griezmann?
Antoine Griezmann’s only goal of the tournament so far was from the penalty spot against Australia, although he is Les Bleus’ 5/1 (6.00) favourite to break the deadlock here, and 15/8 (2.88) to strike anytime.
Olivier Giroud is yet to even have a shot on target in Russia but his impressive international record of 31 goals in 77 appearances could make 12/5 (3.40) odds appear tempting.
After becoming the youngest player ever to score for France at a major tournament just last week, Kylian Mbappe can be backed at 12/5 (3.40) to become the first teenager to score in more than one World Cup match since Michael Owen in 1998.
Messi to score anytime at 6/4 (2.50) for a 1.5pt stake with bet365
