Argentina and France fans are relishing a date with destiny in Doha as the two heavyweight teams prepare to face off in search of a third World Cup on Sunday.
Anticipation is building outside the 88,000-plus-capacity Lusail Stadium as a dream final draws near.
The match will not only pit two of the World's Cup most successful teams against one another, but will also be a showdown between two of the beautiful game's greatest stars in Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Messi - who looks set to bow out from the international stage after the final - was on the minds of supporters of both nations.
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After 64 games in Qatar, it took extra time and penalties to decide the winner. After a sensational 3-3 draw, Argentina overcame France 4-2 after spot-kicks to secure their third World Cup. Getty Images -
Argentina players celebrate winning the World Cup following one of the most dramatic finals in the tournament's history. AFP -
Kylian Mbappe scored a remarkable hat-trick, but couldn't steer France to back-to-back titles. AFP -
Lionel Messi thought he'd won it in extra time after scoring his second of the game. AFP -
Mbappe volleyed in France's second, 97 second after scoring his first. AP Photo -
Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring Argentina's second goal. Reuters -
The South American team have one hand on the trophy at half-time. Reuters -
Kylian Mbappe embraces Lionel Messi ahead of the final. AFP -
Fireworks and artists on the field formed part of Qatar's closing ceremony. AP Photo -
It's the final day of the World Cup in Qatar. Argentina take on holders France at Lusail Stadium. Getty Images -
Live performers are keeping crowds entertained before kick-off. Getty Images -
Many are here to see one man. Reuters -
The nation's captain and talisman needs no introduction. PA -
France fans are at their second successive final. Getty Images -
Hair we go. PA -
The Qatari Amiri Guard are patrolling outside the stadium. Getty Images -
Planes flew over the stadium to mark the occasion. Getty Images -
Kick-off is at 6pm (7pm UAE). Getty Images -
France supporters are backing their hero and talisman Kylian Mbappe to fire them to successive World Cup triumphs. EPA -
Both teams are bidding to lift the trophy for the third time. Getty Images -
Female police officers are on duty at the stadium. PA -
Argentina fans are hoping their little maestro Lionel Messi can collect his first winner's medal at the World Cup, having lost the 2014 final. PA
"It will be a tough match but we are confident we have the best player in the world and we have great team and we have the people here," said Argentine fan Matias Ricci 26, proudly clutching his final ticket.
"Everyone is supporting us here. These are historic moments we are having in Doha. I hope Messi will win the title for us to put his name beside Maradona.”
Tomas Santomero, 32, expects the party to extend for days if Argentina triumph.
"We are optimistic tonight that Messi and the team will make us proud again like in 1986. Argentina will win 3-2.
"We played well throughout the tournament and we have been the best team. We deserve to celebrate the title.
"I don't think we will sleep for days if we win tonight."
French confident of retaining crown
France's travelling contingent are greatly outnumbered by the sea of light blue and white cheering on the South Americans in Doha.
But as reigning champions, their supporters are confident of coming out on top once more.
"I'm thrilled to be here. I have strong belief that France will get their second title in a row tonight," said Jean Marc Salah, who travelled to Doha with his family.
"Messi will make his best performance. He has had a beautiful run during the tournament and he might be the man of the match.
"We respect him but the French team is solid and better than Argentina as a team."
