Lionel Messi vs. France: Argentina star's World Cup record vs French national team

David Lynch

Lionel Messi vs. France: Argentina star's World Cup record vs French national team image

Just one obstacle stands between Lionel Messi and the World Cup win that would cement his legacy.

But he arguably could not have asked for a trickier matchup than a meeting with the reigning world champions France.

This is not the first time the two nations have met across their footballing history, or indeed during the career of Argentina's No.10.

MORE: Messi vs Mbappe: Who has the better record?

So, what can we learn from their past encounters with and without Messi?

Lionel Messi vs France

Messi has faced France on just two occasions across his career, with one win and one defeat to his name.

DateResultCompetitionMessi minsMessi goalsMessi assists
June 30, 2018FRA 4-3 ARGWorld Cup9002
Feb 11, 2009FRA 0-2 ARGFriendly9010

Messi best moments vs France

The highlight of Messi's international meetings with France came when he netted his 11th international goal in a 2-0 friendly win in Marseille back in 2009.

That is in stark contrast to a devastating loss to the same opposition in the last World Cup, which came about despite Messi laying on two goals. 

MORE: Complete list of World Cup Golden Boot winners

Argentina record vs. France

Argentina have faced France on 12 occasions overall, with three of those encounters coming at World Cups. Here is a full breakdown of their head-to-head record. 

DateCompetitionResultScorers
June 30, 2018World Cup
(Round of 16)
France 4
Argentina 3
Griezmann (13'-pen), Pavard (57'), Mbappe (64', 68'); Di Maria (41'), Mercado (48'), Aguero (90')
Feb 11, 2009FriendlyFrance 0
Argentina 2
Gutierrez (40'), Messi (83')
Feb 7, 2007FriendlyFrance 0
Argentina 1
Saviola (15')
Mar 26, 1986FriendlyFrance 2 Argentina 0Ferreri (15'), Vercruysse (80')
June 6, 1978World Cup
(Group stages)
Argentina 2
France 1
Pasarella (45'- pen), Luque (73'); Platini (60')
June 26, 1977FriendlyArgentina 0 France 0N/A
May 18, 1974FriendlyFrance 0 Argentina 1Kempes (22')
June 25, 1972FriendlyArgentina 0 France 0N/A
Jan 12, 1971FriendlyArgentina 2 France 0Laraignee (4' - pen), Madurga (75')
Jan 8, 1971FriendlyArgentina 3 France 4Brindisi (55'), Nicolau (73'), Laraignee (90' - pen); Loubet (3'), Djorkaeff (50' - pen), Lech (64'), Revelli (89')
June 3, 1965FriendlyFrance 0 Argentina 0N/A
July 15, 1930World Cup
(Group stages)
Argentina 1
France 0
Monti (81')

David Lynch

David Lynch is a freelance football journalist primarily covering Liverpool FC. He has reported on the the Reds for over a decade for publications such as the Sunday Mirror and Evening Standard, carving out a reputation as a trusted voice on all things Anfield in the process. Having followed Liverpool across England and Europe over the course of his career, David has filed from illustrious venues such as Camp Nou, the Allianz Arena and the Estadio do Dragao, as well as from multiple Champions League finals.