Patrice Evra accuses FIFA of ‘giving’ World Cup to Lionel Messi | OneFootball

Patrice Evra has come to the defence of France manager Didier Deschamps, pedalling a theory that FIFA gave Lionel Messi and Argentina the World Cup back in 2022.

Evra, speaking on RMC Sport show Rothen s’enflamme on Wednesday, lept to Deschamps’ defence. The France manager announced recently that he would be leaving the post upon the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. His successor is not expected to be announced any time soon.

However, there is plenty of speculation. Zinédine Zidane is the overwhelming favourite for the job and although he sought to dampen talk, Kylian Mbappé said that he would be “very happy” to see the former Real Madrid manager appointed. This talk of Deschamps’ successor does not sit well with Evra.

“I find that there is a huge lack of respect towards Didier Deschamps given that we are talking about another national team manager while he is still in place,” began the former France international.

‘Even the French wanted Messi to win’ – Evra

He then continued, “There is a World Cup to prepare for. I don’t think that it will disturb the squad. The players should be focused on the present but we can’t speak about Zidane in every interview. We are speaking about Didier Deschamps. Are we not spoiled kids? Can people not stand being in the semi-final or final of every tournament? Do you prefer us to win or to play beautiful football?”

Then came the theory that FIFA gave Messi the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Argentina beat France on penalties in the final of the competition. “Okay, we haven’t won (a major tournament) since 2018 but we all know that in 2022, they gave the World Cup to Messi. It was all already written. Even the French wanted Messi to win it,” said Evra.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle