Malaysian sports personalities and officials give their predictions as Argentina play France in today's World Cup final.
"France, I support France. But please don't ask me why."
- Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh
"I pick France... they are a complete team and have depth in their strikeforce. Griezmann and Mbappe are the ones who will bring them the World Cup."
- OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria
"The stars are aligned for Messi. The version of Messi that I've been watching truly wants to win the World Cup. He is fully focused on that. It is a wonderful opportunity for him."
- Timesport's Ajitpal Singh
"It's a tough final but I'm picking Argentina. They have done well to reach the final and I want to see Lionel Messi hoist the World Cup to complete his trophy collection."
- Former World No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei
"I think Argentina will edge defending champions France this time. They have Messi in good form and he will deliver the World Cup to Argentina."
- FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin
"I'm a Messi fan and I think he deserves to win the World Cup. At the same time Argentina have been playing well and shown good teamwork in this World Cup."
- National football captain Safawi Rasid
"It's definitely a tough match for both teams. I think it's Messi's World Cup. After they lost to Saudi Arabia in the group stage, I think that woke them up and they actually performed well in every game after that."
- National women's football captain Steffi Sarge Kaur
"My pick is Argentina to win. They have been playing well and I want to see Messi win the World Cup since it's his final World Cup. I want him to have a good ending at the World Cup."
- Netball player Nurfariha Abdul Razak
"I'm picking France to successfully defend the World Cup. They have been consistent with their performance in Doha and are totally different from how they played in the 2020 European Championship. Mbappe has been lethal this time and France have been playing well as a team."
- 2016 Puskas Award winner Faiz Subri
"France have not been spectacular but they have always found a way to win. They are the most efficient and resilient side in Qatar. With Mbappe and Giroud in-form, the defending champions have the edge over Argentina."
- Timesport's K. Rajan
"It's easier to understand France's movements, so the opponents will have time to be ready. Argentina move slower but we will surely see them shock the opponents' defence. Advantage to Argentina."
- Former Fifa referee Subkhiddin Salleh
"Argentina to win because their defeat (to Saudi Arabia) in the first game may prove to be a blessing in disguise as they appear to be getting better and stronger with each game."
- Sabah coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee
"For the good of football, Messi should win the World Cup and be in the hall with the big boys who have won it at least once."
- KL City captain Paulo Josue
"France will win the World Cup because they have been at this stage before (2018) and are familiar with the pressure of a final. France to win in extra time."
- Sabah defender Dominic Tan
"Argentina to win this although France are strong. I think the curse is over for Argentina, 2-1 the score."
- Former world No 1 men's doubles Koo Kiet Keat
"My World Cup ended with Brazil's exit. I don't really care now. If I had to pick one team, it's Argentina... for Messi's sake, nothing else."
- Timesport's Fabian Peter