With the World Cup down to eight teams, our writers assess who’s left, identify the biggest remaining threats to France and make calls on who will lift the trophy
Lionel Messi. As he proved in thrilling style against Egypt, Argentina’s No 10 still has magic in his boots even at the age of 39. While his penalty record of four from eight attempts is much worse than you’d expect, he is clinical when it matters most. EA
On a cold wet night in Stoke, I may be swayed to take Haaland. At this World Cup, I’m taking Messi. A sense of inevitability has been attached to him through Argentina’s first five games at this tournament - he’s scored in all of them - and who am I to argue that that wouldn’t continue on the biggest of stages. EB
Erling Haaland is averaging a goal every 14 touches at this tournament. He has scored on 38.9% of his shots, the best of any player who has at least 10 shots. If you’re looking for the person who’ll score the most spectacular goals, go with Messi. But if you want the best chance of getting the ball in the net, bang the drum and start rowing. BD
Right now, it’s Kylian Mbappé. Both he and Messi feel uniquely unsolvable and can bend games to their will. But I’ll take the younger man in the eighth game of a six-week slog. BAG
