It was a Matchday 6 which saw premium fantasy assets shine in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi ($10.5m) drew level with Kylian Mbappe ($11.5m) on five World Cup goals across the tournament so far after once again opening the scoring for Argentina in their 3-0 victory against Croatia. Messi also gained an assist, whilst Mbappe picked up two assists of his own as France overcame Morocco by two goals to nil. Meanwhile, our other captain picks for Matchday 6 did not have as much success, Ivan Perisic ($7.5m) gaining just a single point, whilst Achraf Hakimi ($5.0m) failed to pick up a point.
Matchday 7, the final World Cup fantasy matchday of the tournament consists of the third-place play-off between Croatia and Morocco before the big one, Argentina against France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. We’ve reverted back to the original captain picks format for this final article, compiling three premium options for the armband, alongside a differential selection.
PREMIUM OPTIONS
Lionel Messi ($10.5m) vs France (December 18th)
Argentina find themselves in the final, largely due to the utter brilliance of Lionel Messi who has been irresistible throughout the competition and stands a large chance of winning his second golden ball. His attacking returns currently stand at five goals and three assists and his 10 points scored on Matchday 6 was his highest fantasy return so far. Overall, Messi has racked up a total of 47 points ahead of Matchday 7.
France are a formidable side, but have kept just one clean sheet at this year’s World Cup and should Messi be at his best, then he’ll be expected to both create chances and gain chances of his own to find the net. With a monstrous ownership of just over 80%, a vast number of World Cup fantasy managers are expected to name Messi skipper. Anyone looking to protect their current rank would be well advised to do the same.
Kylian Mbappe ($11.5m) vs Argentina (December 18th)
The only player to stand with Messi on five 2022 FIFA World Cup goals is Kylian Mbappe, who like the Argentinian has stood out from the very first game in regards to his performances. His two starts in the group stage saw him accrue three goals, one assists and 22 fantasy points. He has since continued that form across the knockout stage, recording a further two goals, three assists and he comes into the final having accumulated just one less fantasy point than Messi (46).
Mbappe’s fantasy ownership is also vast, with over 72% of World Cup fantasy managers having the 23-year-old within their squad. However, many will have to make a decision on whether to hand him or Messi the armband with both competing in the final. That means those who do opt for Mbappe would be in line for a big rank climb should the Frenchman outscore Messi on Matchday 7.
Achraf Hakimi ($5.0m) vs Croatia (December 17th)
Whilst the third place play-off can be a difficult contest to predict with those countries involved still smarting after being eliminated from the World Cup in the semi-finals, Morocco will certainly be taking it seriously. An opportunity to make history and become the first African nation to finish third in the FIFA World Cup will hand the Atlas Lions all the motivation they need, not to mention the expectation of having a full stadium of Moroccan fans cheering them on. From a World Cup fantasy perspective, this enhances the appeal of Achraf Hakimi as a captain pick.
Despite his blank on Matchday 6, it has been profitable tournament for owners of Hakimi, who has acquired 28 fantasy points across the competition, including four clean sheets and an assist. One of those clean sheets came against Croatia, their opponents here and with the option of switching the captaincy to a Messi or Mbappe come Sunday, starting Matchday 7 with the armband on Hakimi may prove a shrewd play.
DIFFERENTIAL OPTION
Julian Alvarez ($6.5m) vs France (December 18th)
Having established a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi since breaking into the Argentina team, Julian Alvarez ($6.5m) comes into Matchday 7 and the World Cup final in sensational form having netted a brace in the semi-finals against Croatia, also winning the penalty converted by Messi and ultimately accruing a score of 14 fantasy points. With four goals now across the tournament, he still stands a real chance of winning the golden boot.
Those looking for a differential skipper should focus on Alvarez, who ticks plenty of boxes on that front. He comes at a cheap fantasy price, is full of confidence and his ownership is extremely small compared to the premium options. Therefore, any World Cup fantasy managers looking to make up ground in order win their respective mini-leagues on the final matchday of the tournament should seriously consider Alvarez.
