ITV pundit and former Manchester United captain says the little Argentine wizard deserves to crown his career with the ultimate prize at the Qatar World Cupx tourney.
Without meaning any disrespect to the French, Keane says he will be exclusively backing one team and one player in Sunday’s World Cup final – and they will be wearing white and blue stripes.
The ITV pundit with the distinction of cementing his place as the most watched and most talked about TV pundit in the game during a dramatic World Cup in Qatar is passionate about wanting Argentina and Messi to win.
And his passion for ‘La Albiceleste’ comes down to only one man, the brilliant Lionel Messi.
The Barcelona, PSG and Argentina legend leads the Albiceleste to take on France in the decider after having booked their place in the prestigious final with a 3-0 win over Croatia. France beat Morocco the following night to set up a thrilling Mbappe v Messi showdown.
Despite their facing the formidable defending champions who are playing to form, Keane feels Argentina has a slight edge over Les Bleus for the final, and says he would love to see Lionel Messi crown a glittering career with a World Cup win.
“Argentina, with the support behind them, the energy they’ve got, and, of course, Messi, you would have to say they will probably just be slight favourites,” said Keane on ITV.
“We talk about Messi in his prime, he would do this ten years ago but he showed glimpses last night what he has been doing for years.
“We go back to moments. Twisting defenders inside out. The key for this is then finding a teammate, that is the key.”
“It is no good beating somebody and then not having the end product. He’s done it for years and years and years.
“The guy is fantastic. I love watching him.
“I can’t wait for the weekend and, you know what, I hope they win it, even if it is just for him.”