Didier Deschamps is hopeful France can "mark and neutralise" Argentina's Lionel Messi today, but accepts the superstar can provide a "spark" out of very little. France secured their spot in the knockout phase early on and were able to rest players against Denmark in their final group game, something Argentina were unable to do.

Messi provided fleeting moments of brilliance against Nigeria, giving Argentina the lead with a sumptuous opening goal, as they ultimately went on to win 2-1 thanks to Marcos Rojo's crucial late strike. And while Argentina have impressed few en route to the Last 16, Deschamps knows Messi alone has the ability to end France's run.