Theo Hernandez defiantly stated Lionel Messi does not scare France, while Olivier Giroud is intent on denying the Argentina legend a dream World Cup swansong in Sunday's final.

Les Bleus are on the cusp of defending the title they won in Russia four years ago after a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Morocco in Wednesday's second semi-final.

The showpiece fixture will be Messi's final World Cup game and, at least for the football romantics, would be seen as a fitting send-off for one of the all-time greats.

But France will have little time for sentiment as they aim to be crowned world champions for the third time and Milan full-back Hernandez said Les Bleus are not fearful of Argentina's talisman – who was star of the show in La Albiceleste's own last-four triumph over Croatia.

"Now we must think about the final, I am tired but it's so good to win a World Cup semi-final," Hernandez said in quotes reported by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Now we must recover for Sunday, we are not scared of Messi, but Argentina are an incredible team and we have a few days to work."

Giroud, who during the tournament has become France's all-time leading goalscorer, was part of the side that defeated Argentina 4-3 in the round of 16 at Russia 2018.

In that game, N'Golo Kante – missing in Qatar through injury – was tasked with a man-marking job on Messi, whose five goals at this tournament are matched only by Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe.

Giroud gave little away as to whether a similar tactic will be employed but said the whole collective will do their part to deny Messi the biggest prize of his illustrious career.

"Messi is an incredible player, but we are not going to let him enjoy the best night he can have," he said.

"We want to win this game. We want to win another World Cup – and we will try everything to stop him. 

"But there is not only Messi in that team. They have got great players who work for the team also. I think that is why they are so strong.

"I don't know if we need a special plan. I remember back in the days of 2018, N'Golo was all the game on his back, behind him. But this time I don't know what will be the plan. We will see with the manager."

France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is not fazed about juggling the responsibilities usually reserved for injured stalwarts Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante after helping Les Bleus to the World Cup final.

Didier Deschamps' side beat Morocco 2-0 at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday to secure their spot in Sunday's showpiece against Argentina.

It ensured France became the first nation to reach back-to-back World Cup finals since Brazil in 2002 as they – somewhat unconvincingly – managed to end Morocco's fairytale run.

The build-up to France's World Cup defence was dominated by talk of the so-called 'holders' curse' given each of the previous three defending champions had been eliminated at the group stage.

Pre-tournament confidence was also dented by injuries to several key players, with Karim Benzema, Pogba and Kante all missing out.

Yet on Sunday, they could become the first European country to win successive World Cups since Italy in 1938, with Tchouameni playing an important part in a new-look midfield.

Asked whether the Pogba or Kante role suits him best, he replied: "It's both!

"Sometimes it's [my job] to recover some balls like today, and sometimes I have the opportunities to score a goal, like the last game.

"Or today when I had the almost-assists for Kylian [Mbappe] and Olivier [Giroud]. It's a mix between those two [Pogba and Kante]."

He added: "[Pogba and Kante] are great players for us.

"Unfortunately they're not here because they're injured, so we try to do our best to help the team in the middle of the pitch, and I think we do a great job."

Tchouameni's influence was highlighted by the fact his 65 touches were the joint-highest in the France team, while only Antoine Griezmann (four) played more key passes than his two.

Although his 83 per cent passing accuracy suggests a degree of wastefulness, the Real Madrid talent showed purpose in terms of ball progression, with his eight passes in the final third only behind Kylian Mbappe and Youssouf Fofana (both nine). A riskier approach is always likely to result in less accurate distribution.

Nevertheless, he did not neglect his defensive responsibilities, tallying the second-most interceptions (four) on the pitch (Ibrahima Konate – six) and joint-highest number of recoveries (10).

Alongside Fofana, Tchouameni was part of a particularly inexperienced midfield pairing, but Deschamps believes both have proven they belong at this level.

"Experience isn't everything, they have great qualities and play with top clubs," the coach told reporters.

"They may not have much experience at the international level, but they are good enough to play at this level.

"They have tremendous potential, tremendous quality – and they are supported by the experienced players around them.

"All of the players struggled against Tunisia – Fofana had a bad game, if I'm honest with you – but he showed today, in a World Cup semi-final, that he has learned from that experience.

"Tchouameni played for us at a very young age and went to Madrid where he's slotted straight in.

"Of course, there's room for improvement, but he has all the strength to succeed at this level. I had no doubt about playing both of them in there, though, as they had experienced players around them."

Didier Deschamps insisted he and his future are "not the most important thing" as he vowed to make France "even happier" after Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina.

The reigning world champions produced another ruthless performance to down Morocco 2-0 after goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani in Wednesday's semi-final clash at Al Bayt Stadium.

Argentina await as France bid to become just the third side to retain their global crown, with the Lusail Stadium showpiece signalling a likely end for Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi and potentially also for Bleus coach Deschamps.

Zinedine Zidane has long been suggested as the successor to Deschamps, whose contract expires after the tournament, but the focus remains for now on success in Qatar.

"I'm always proud when we achieve a result like this. It is great to have got through to the final on Sunday," Deschamps said at a post-match press conference. 

"It wasn't an easy victory, we showed our quality, experience and team spirit. We had to dig deep even in the challenging moments in the match. As a coach, I'm very proud and pleased with my players.

"I don't really think about myself, but I can appreciate the fact we have had this success. As for my achievements, I'm not the most important thing here.

"The team is more important than I am. We have the chance of defending our title in the final, so that is a great achievement already.

"But we are going to do everything we can to ensure we, as a team and for our nation, are even happier on Sunday."

France and Argentina played out a seven-goal thriller at Russia 2018 as Deschamps' side edged their opponents 4-3 to reach the quarter-finals following Kylian Mbappe's brace.

Both finalists have been far from their best at times in Qatar, with France losing to Tunisia and battling past England in the quarter-finals, while Argentina fell to a shock group-stage defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Deschamps believes the clash for the biggest prize in the sport will come down to the finest of margins, with both sides facing "a better team than any they have played in the tournament".

"It is always a battle out there, we saw a very strong Argentina against Croatia, but they had not always been as strong," he continued.

"We weren't perfect against England or against Morocco. We could have played better. In a final against Argentina, both teams are playing a better team than they have played in the tournament so far. 

"We have two sides with a great deal of quality. The team who makes fewer mistakes will likely win the game; whoever manages to do that will lift the trophy."

Playing Lionel Messi in the World Cup final is a "totally different proposition", according to France's Antoine Griezmann after his team secured their place in Sunday's showpiece match.

France ended Morocco's fairytale run with a 2-0 semi-final victory as goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani sent Les Bleus through to a second consecutive World Cup final.

Didier Deschamps' side could become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain international football's top prize, having lifted the trophy in Russia in 2018.

But standing in their way is Messi's Argentina, who cruised past Croatia on Tuesday to clinch their spot in a sixth World Cup final, with only Germany having been in the tournament's deciding match on more occasions.

Messi has broken record after record in Qatar, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's top World Cup goalscorer while he is set to become the tournament's highest all-time appearance holder if he plays on Sunday.

With the final against France likely representing the last opportunity for Messi to finally get his hands on the World Cup trophy, Griezmann acknowledged it will be a tough task to slow down La Albiceleste.

"Any team with Messi in is a totally different proposition," Griezmann told reporters at his post-match news conference.

"All of the matches we have seen Argentina play, we know how they play - they are difficult.

"They seem to be on top form, there isn’t only Messi - they have a strong side around him.

"We know it is going to be a tough game and they are going to have the support of the crowd.

"We will get back to working tomorrow and see how we can hurt them, we will be well prepared."

France and Argentina played out a seven-goal thriller at the 2018 World Cup, with Les Bleus' 4-3 triumph sending them on to eventual glory.

Messi failed to get on the scoresheet in that encounter, but Deschamps is fully aware of the threat the Paris Saint-Germain forward will pose on Sunday at Lusail Stadium.

"Lionel Messi has been in scintillating form since the beginning of the tournament," Deschamps said. "Four years ago, things were different of course.

"He actually played as a centre-forward against us then, which caught us by surprise. Now he is playing in a tandem just behind the centre-forward.

"He is picking up the ball, running with it and looking in great form. He is one of the best players in the world and he has shown that.

"We are going to try and counter Messi’s threat and try to stop him influencing the game. Of course, Argentina are going to do the same to my players and they are a different side to the one we faced four years ago."

Walid Regragui lauded Morocco for making their country and Africa proud, but conceded the "small details" helped "real champions" France through to the World Cup final.

Africa's first semi-finalists in FIFA's top tournament largely held their own against Didier Deschamps' defending champions, though fell to a 2-0 defeat at Al Bayt Stadium.

Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani proved the difference as France set up a final against Lionel Messi's Argentina on Sunday.

Regragui reflected on a historic campaign for not only Morocco, but the entire continent after defeating Belgium, Spain and Portugal en route to falling narrowly short in the last four.

"We realised we made a great achievement already, we know that the media supported us and on the TV, we saw how proud everyone was," he said at his post-match press conference. 

"We are disappointed, we wanted to keep the Moroccan people's dream alive. We are going to have to digest this defeat. We are pleased with what we have achieved, but we felt we could have gone even further.

"The small details help real champions win. We saw this against France, they had a lot of substitutes to make a difference.

"I told the players I am proud of them, the whole of Morocco is proud of them and so is the world. We worked hard; played honest football and that is what we wanted to do.

"We gave a good image of Morocco and Africa, representing our country and our continent. We went as far as we could in the competition and that is great, but we are going to have to do even better in the future.

"We have to do that regularly if we want to be on the footballing map. We may not be as good as Spain, Brazil or England, but I want to qualify for every competition.

"Then, it will become normal for Morocco to be a presence. We have shown Africans we are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best."

Nayef Aguerd, Roman Saiss and Noussair Mazraoui were all injury doubts heading into the semi-final clash, but were initially named in Morocco's starting XI.

Aguerd did not appear, Saiss bowed out before half-time and Mazraoui was replaced at the break, with Regragui conceding injuries took their toll on the Atlas Lions.

"At a World Cup, this was one step too far – not for the quality or tactics, but physically we came up short," he added.

"We had too many players who were at 60-70 per cent, but nevertheless got through to the semi-finals. My players gave a very good image of our team, and we showcased our quality.

"We wanted to rewrite the history books, but you can't win the World Cup through miracles, you need hard work and that is what we are going to continue to do."

As for the third-place play-off against Croatia on Saturday, Regragui vowed Morocco will fight once more, though he may offer chances to those who have not featured as often in Qatar.

"It will be a challenge mentally. We are on our last legs, we have a lot of players injured, but we want to win the game," the head coach continued. 

"But I also want to allow squad players a chance to show what they can do. Those players have made a great contribution, but haven't had many minutes.

"After a defeat like this, it is always difficult to plan for the future. We will have some time to recover, and then we are going to try and make our country proud and win that third place."

Emmanuel Macron described his pride after France returned to the World Cup final by beating Morocco on Wednesday.

The French president was at Al Bayt Stadium where Didier Deschamps' side overcame the Atlas Lions 2-0, with goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani setting up a clash with Argentina in Sunday's showpiece.

Defending champions France are the first nation since Brazil (in 2002) to reach consecutive finals – and the first from Europe to achieve the feat since Germany 32 years ago.

Macron paid tribute to the players, who he visited in the dressing room after the game, while giving his backing to head coach Deschamps.

"Our compatriots need simple and pure joy, sport provides it and football in particular," he said. "I am much better now than I was an hour and a half ago.

"We suffered a lot, but we saw a great team. A huge thank you to our coach and to this team, which is actually a mix of several generations, and that's what's great.

"We bring back the cup and, obviously, Deschamps has to stay. This France team makes me very proud."

France entered the semi-final without the impressive Adrien Rabiot, who was absent through illness, with Youssouf Fofana deputising in the heart of the midfield.

"There were a lot of hours of work" the Monaco man told beIN SPORTS. "It's a shame that Adrien is not here to celebrate. I hope he will be there on Sunday.

"It was not easy replacing him, it's hard to reach the level he's been at since the start of the competition. We worked together and it worked out for us."

Hernandez added to TF1: "To play two finals in a row is incredible. We did a great job, it was hard. The final against Argentina, we know it's going to be a great game, we're going to work hard to win this final."

On a visit to Qatar in January, Kylian Mbappe predicted France would play Achraf Hakimi's Morocco at the World Cup.

The Paris Saint-Germain star was examining the surroundings in Qatar with club team-mate Hakimi when Mbappe jokingly put forward to possibility they would face one another, adding "I have to destroy my friend," to which Hakimi replied, quick as a flash, "I am going to kick him."

Fast-forward 11 months and that semi-serious guess came true, with the very serious prize of a World Cup final place on the line.

Separated in age by just six weeks, Mbappe and Hakimi have built a strong bond in Paris since the latter moved to PSG in July 2021, with a clear respect on the pitch as well as off it.

Mbappe called Hakimi the best right-back in the world after the former Inter man's free-kick for Morocco against Malawi at the Africa Cup of Nations sent the Atlas Lions into the quarter-finals of that tournament in late January.

Hakimi returned the compliment in April when asked about Mbappe's club future, saying: "Mbappe is one of the best players in the world, and my friend."

When Morocco's surprise run to the final four in Qatar lined them up against the defending world champions, Hakimi v Mbappe promised to be more than merely a contest between good pals, because they also happen to be among the best footballers on the planet.

In 2021-22, Mbappe became the first player to finish as both the top scorer (28 goals) and top assister (17 assists) in a Ligue 1 season since those two awards have been handed out (2007-08), and was directly involved in more goals in all competitions (60 – 39 goals, 21 assists) than any other player in Europe's top five leagues.

During that same season, Hakimi was the defender involved in the most sequences in open play that ended in a goal in Ligue 1 (22).

Their brilliance extended to the World Cup, where, prior to the semi-finals, as well as being the tournament's top scorer at the time (five), no player had attempted more than Mbappe's 32 dribbles, with only Germany's Jamal Musiala (19) completing more than his 15, while no defender had won as many duels as Hakimi's 35, made as many tackles as his 19 or won as many tackles as his 13.

Coach Walid Regragui said before the semi-final that there would be no "anti-Mbappe plan" from his team, adding: "To focus on Mbappe would be a mistake. Hakimi is one of the best in the world in his position, too, so it will be a great duel between two champions, both going at it hell for leather."

In the fifth minute at Al Bayt Stadium, Mbappe had a chance to get the upper hand as he received the ball in the Morocco penalty area, and though his effort was blocked, the ball fell kindly to Theo Hernandez to fire France into an early lead; in fact, the earliest scored by any side in a World Cup semi-final since 1958.

It took until the 35th minute for Mbappe to show off his electric pace, racing in behind after Aurelien Tchouameni had won the ball and played him in, only for his scuffed attempt to be cleared.

Hakimi was largely having the better of their duel, tackling Mbappe well on one occasion while he also made more passes in the final third than anyone else on the pitch in the first-half as Morocco looked for an equaliser.

Early in the second half the two were in a race again as Antoine Griezmann played in Mbappe, but Hakimi was able to ease his friend away from the ball after anticipating the sort of run he is so familiar with.

Even when Mbappe finally got away from Hakimi, he found himself getting absolutely clattered by the impressive Sofyan Amrabat as France struggled to stay on top.

The personal battle looked effectively over when Marcus Thuram replaced Olivier Giroud in the 65th minute, with Mbappe moving centrally.

However, with 11 minutes remaining, Mbappe drifted slightly back out left and turned beautifully away from Hakimi as he dribbled through the Moroccan defence before his deflected shot fell kindly to substitute Randal Kolo Muani to put the game beyond doubt.

When Mbappe said in January with a wry smile that he was going to "destroy" Hakimi, he followed up with: "That will break my heart a little bit, but you know football, it is what it is. I have to kill him."

The 79th minute was the first real moment where Mbappe had got the better of his friend, and it proved to be the final dagger that would kill Morocco's World Cup dreams.

Hakimi did have one final moment where he was able to stop Mbappe from adding to the score with a determined tackle, but ultimately the last laugh belonged to the French forward as Les Bleus secured a 2-0 victory, with Mbappe likely having the full support of his friend when he lines up to potentially win his second World Cup against Argentina on Sunday.

They shook hands and swapped shirts after the final whistle having enjoyed a battle. While Mbappe may not have destroyed his friend, he ensured bragging rights for the next few years at least.

France set up a World Cup final against Argentina after goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani secured a 2-0 win over Morocco on Wednesday.

Didier Deschamps' side became the first defending champions since Brazil in 1998 to return to the final at the next edition with another efficient performance at Al Bayt Stadium.

Hernandez struck as France raced into a fifth-minute lead against Africa's first World Cup semi-finalists, although Morocco were in the ascendancy for large parts.

That pressure brought no reward, and substitute Kolo Muani's 79th-minute second ensured France's bid to become just the third side to retain their global crown continued into Sunday's final against Argentina.

Hernandez fired France into an early lead after Kylian Mbappe twice saw efforts blocked, the second deflection falling to the left-back to expertly finish at the back post.

Olivier Giroud smashed a left-footed strike against Yassine Bounou's right post before whipping wide from a glorious opportunity after Jawad El Yamiq denied Mbappe with a last-ditch clearance.

El Yamiq almost levelled with a sensational overhead kick from Hakim Ziyech's corner on the stroke of half-time, only to be denied by a stretching Hugo Lloris and his right post.

Raphael Varane produced a vital intervention to thwart Youssef En-Nesyri after the interval as Deschamps' men were pinned back, before France sealed victory with 11 minutes remaining.

A deflected Mbappe strike rolled into the path for Kolo Muani, just off the bench, to tap in at the far post as Morocco's fairytale run came to an end.

What does it mean? Les Bleus on brink of rare feat

France narrowly edged past England in an enthralling quarter-final and were again ruthless against Morocco, recording their fourth straight World Cup semi-final victory (also in 1998, 2006 and 2018).

Walid Regraguis's Morocco had defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal en route to the last four after resolute defensive performances, but France proved too great a hurdle.

The final test for Les Bleus awaits in the form of Lionel Messi and Argentina as they aim to join Italy (1938) and Brazil (1962) as the only sides to successfully retain their crown.

Heroic Hernandez

Hernandez's opener, timed at four minutes and 39 seconds, was the fastest World Cup semi-final goal since 1958 when Vava struck for Brazil against France.

The Milan defender, scrutinised after the England game and still largely without help from Mbappe, was also tasked with managing the energetic Ziyech and impressed by winning seven of his eight duels and gaining possession from each of his four tackles.

Injuries haunt defiant Morocco

Nayef Aguerd, Roman Saiss and Noussair Mazraoui were all injury doubts heading into this clash. All were initially named in the XI, but Aguerd did not appear, Saiss bowed out before half-time and Mazraoui was replaced at the break.

A fitness gamble by Regragui did not pay off, with Mazraoui winning just one of his six duels before his half-time removal and Saiss' injury almost costing Morocco as Giroud broke away to strike the post in the first half.

What's next?

France will meet Argentina at Lusail Stadium in four days' time, while Morocco face Croatia in a third-place play-off on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium.

Luka Modric opting to retire from international duty would be "a pity" for all football fans, according to Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who hopes the midfielder will continue with his team.

Modric won the Ballon d'Or after leading Croatia to the World Cup final in Russia four years ago, and the Real Madrid star enjoyed another fine tournament as Dalic's men reached the final four in Qatar.

However, the 37-year-old was unable to inspire his team to a semi-final victory over Argentina on Tuesday, leading to suggestions he may call time on his international career.

Modric refused to give anything away regarding his future after Tuesday's defeat, but Dalic hopes his captain will still be available after Saturday's bronze medal match. 

"He was very disappointed yesterday, the defeat and the game were hard on him," Dalic told reporters on Wednesday. "It's logical that he feels that way, it was really hard for him. 

"Our concentration is on the game on Saturday, we haven't talked about that [retirement]. We have to prepare for that game. 

"I hope he stays in the national team. Of course, he will decide himself. We have a game on Saturday and we'll talk after that.

"If Luka says goodbye to the national team, it will be a pity and regret for all the fans around the world. He showed so much good football, but he also proved to be a top professional. 

"When he wins and when he loses, he behaves like a true professional. It is difficult for him, and he will make his own decision. 

"It will be difficult for me, too, if he decides otherwise. The whole world respects Modric. It would be nice if he continued."

Although Modric criticised referee Daniele Orsato for awarding Argentina's Julian Alvarez a first-half penalty in Croatia's defeat, he also expressed his hope that Albiceleste great Lionel Messi goes on to lift the trophy.

Dalic believes that gesture demonstrated Modric's class. 

"The most difficult thing is to remain dignified in defeat. It shows the greatness of Luka Modric to congratulate them all, and it is difficult for him, as well as for all our players," Dalic added.

"That gesture shows that we are big. When the French bowed to us in Moscow, that's a gesture that makes you happy. Croatia is still worth something in world football."

Dalic outlined his intention to remain in charge of Croatia after Tuesday's loss, with their Euro 2024 qualification campaign set to begin against Wales on March 25.

France have replaced Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot in their starting XI for Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Morocco due to illness.

Reports began to circulate on Tuesday that the two players were suffering with flu, and as such they were deemed unable to line up at Al Bayt Stadium.

Juventus midfielder Rabiot was out of the squad entirely, remaining at the team's base, but Upamecano took a place among the substitutes.

Rabiot had played in all five of France's previous matches in the tournament, while Upamecano started all but their final group game, the defeat to Tunisia.

Drafted into their places were Youssouf Fofana and Ibrahima Konate, starting in midfield and centre-back, respectively.

Otherwise, there were no changes to Didier Deschamps' team from the side that beat England 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Opponents Morocco also made changes, welcoming back key defensive pair Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui following injuries.

But Walid Regragui's line-up hinted at a change in system as Aguerd replaced midfielder Selim Amallah, rather than fellow centre-back Jawad El Yamiq.

France were looking to become the first reigning champions to reach the final of the World Cup since Brazil in 1998. The last European nation to do so were Italy in 1938.

If Les Bleus were to win, it would take Deschamps to 14 victories as a coach at the World Cup, a record bettered only by Helmut Schon (16).

Fikayo Tomori is aware "I have to do more" to avoid a repeat of the "disappointment" at being left out of England's World Cup squad.

Despite playing every match for Milan in Serie A this season, while missing just one of their six Champions League games through suspension, the defender was not included by Gareth Southgate, whose side were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals.

Tomori also played a key role as the Rossoneri last term, featuring 31 times as they ended their 11-year wait to claim the Scudetto, pipping rivals Inter to the title on the final day of the campaign.

But having only earned three senior England caps since making his debut against Kosovo in November 2019, the 24-year-old feels he must raise his game to force himself back into contention for the European Championship in 18 months' time, should the Three Lions qualify.

"I'm always motivated, obviously there is disappointment because I wanted to be there," he told DAZN. "But it didn't happen, and I know I have to do more to go to Euro 2024.

"There was disappointment, but I have to keep working and then let's see. Right now, I'm happy and content."

Tomori and Milan resume their Serie A title defence when they travel to Salernitana on January 4. Stefano Pioli's side are second after 15 matches, but already trailing unbeaten leaders Napoli by eight points.

The centre-half admits the reigning champions have had to adapt to different challenges from their opponents this season, but he is confident the campaign can culminate in a successful title defence.

"In my opinion, the most difficult thing is to win again," he added. "Last year, we know that there weren't many people who thought we could win. But now we have done it, and we have the Scudetto on our chest, whoever plays against us changes.

"So, we have to look for another way to win and another level - both in mentality and in play. We knew it would be difficult, but we can win again, and we will do everything for that."

Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Real Madrid, with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez granting him permission to use their training facilities as he looks for a new club.

Ronaldo had his Manchester United contract terminated last month after he criticised the Red Devils' hierarchy – including manager Erik ten Hag – in a controversial interview.

The Portugal captain created more headlines at the World Cup, where he was dropped to the bench for A Selecao's 6-1 win over Switzerland in the last 16, as well as their quarter-final defeat against Morocco.

Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr have been strongly linked with a move for Ronaldo, with coach Rudi Garcia saying he would be "delighted" to coach the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

However, no deal has yet been done, and Premier League side Chelsea continue to be touted as another possible destination for the 37-year-old.

For now, Ronaldo has returned to the site of his peak years, with AS reporting he reached out to Madrid president Perez to ask permission to use the club's Valdebebas training ground.

Ronaldo won 15 trophies – including four Champions League titles – during a nine-year spell with Madrid, while becoming their record scorer with 450 goals.

While Al Nassr are favourites to secure Ronaldo's signature, Spanish media reports have suggested he could opt to continue his career in Qatar, while a return to his first club Sporting CP has also been mooted.

Ronaldo's only goal at the World Cup came from the penalty spot against Ghana in the group stage, meaning he remains the highest-scoring player in the tournament's history (eight goals) to fail to net in a knockout tie.

Sofyan Amrabat expressed his admiration for Atletico Madrid's style under Diego Simeone, having reportedly courted the Spanish side's attention with his World Cup performances.

The 26-year-old has been an integral part of Morocco's record-breaking side in Qatar, with Walid Regragui's side becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, and facing a showdown with defending champions France for a spot in Sunday's showpiece.

The Atlas Lions' remarkable run has seen several of their squad garner interest ahead of the January transfer window, with Atletico and Barcelona among those touted to make a move for Amrabat.

While the 44-cap international made it clear he is happy at Fiorentina, he admits that Simeone's tactical approach with Los Rojiblancos is appealing.

"It's a great honour to be associated with those types of clubs. Right now, I'm playing for Fiorentina. I have a lot of respect for my club, it's a great team," he told Marca.

"I have a great coach and a great relationship with owner Rocco Commisso, who brought me to Fiorentina, and also with Joe Barone [General Manager of the club] and Daniele Prade [Sporting Director]. I have a lot of respect for them and for the club.

"I have a great coach at Fiorentina. I don't like to talk about others. But yes, what Simeone does, what he has achieved, he has coached Atletico Madrid for many years.

"I like his style of play. He has gained a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players on his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way."

Amrabat has family ties with LaLiga, with his brother Nordin Amrabat having played for the likes of Malaga and Leganes, and he is not ruling out a future move to Spanish football.

"I've been [to Spain] a lot, and I've seen a lot of matches at La Rosaleda," he added. "There is a great fan base and a great atmosphere. The Spanish league is one of the best competitions in the world.

"It is strong like the Premier League. Italy is too. I may one day play there. I'm 26 years old, no one knows what the future holds."

Grant Wahl died after an undetected aortic aneurysm ruptured, the American journalist's wife Dr. Celine Gounder has revealed.

The 49-year-old collapsed in his seat while reporting on last Friday's World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands at Lusail Stadium.

Wahl was attended by medics inside the ground and taken to hospital, but his death was later announced and an outpouring of tributes soon followed.

He was flown back to New York City on Monday, and an autopsy revealed the cause of his death, with wife Gounder ruling out any sort of foul play.

"Grant died from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium," Gounder posted on her husband's blog. 

"The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms. No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him. 

"His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death."

Wahl, who was best known for his long career with Sports Illustrated, attended a medical clinic at Qatar 2022's Main Media Centre four days prior to his death after feeling unwell and was diagnosed with bronchitis.

The much-respected reporter was at the centre of controversy earlier in the World Cup when he sported a rainbow t-shirt in support of LGBT rights as he attempted to attend a match.

He was initially prevented from entering Ahmad bin Ali Stadium for the United States' group game against Wales, although he was later allowed inside.

Wahl's brother suggested he had been "killed" in the immediate aftermath of his death, but he later said he "regretted" those comments and no longer believed that to be true ahead of Wednesday's announcement.

Paying her own respects to her husband, Gounder said: "We will forever cherish the gift of his life; to share his company was our greatest love and source of joy.

"Grant was an incredibly empathetic, dedicated and loving husband, brother, uncle and son, who was our greatest team-mate and fan. 

"While the world knew Grant as a great journalist, we knew him as a man who approached the world with openness and love."

A World Cup security guard has died following a serious fall at Lusail Stadium during last Friday's quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands.

John Njau Kibue received emergency treatment inside the ground and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he passed away in intensive care on Tuesday.

The Qatar Supreme Committee confirmed Kibue's passing in a statement on Wednesday and announced an investigation will be held into the circumstances leading to his death.

"We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time," the statement read.

"Organisers are investigating the circumstances leading to the fall as a matter of urgency and will provide further information pending the outcome of the investigation. 

"We will also ensure that his family receive all outstanding dues and monies owed."

Kibue is the second known migrant worker to have died since the tournament began, following the death of a Filipino man in the group stage at a resort used by Saudi Arabia.

Speaking last week, Qatar 2022 chief executive Nasser Al Khater said "death is a natural part of life" when he was questioned over the passing of the migrant worker.

The Lusail Stadium is to host Sunday's final between Argentina and either France or Morocco, who face off in the second semi-final on Wednesday.