Patrice Evra claims FIFA ‘gave the 2022 World Cup to Lionel Messi’

Patrice Evra has defended Didier Deschamps’ record as France manager and suggested FIFA “gave the World Cup to (Lionel) Messi” in 2022.

Messi went into the tournament in Qatar with the World Cup the only missing piece on his glittering CV and played a key role as Lionel Scaloni’s men clinched their first global crown since 1986.

The Inter Miami star scored twice in the final as Argentina beat Les Bleus, for whom Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick, on a penalty shoot-out after the game ended 3-3 after extra time.

It was a fairytale ending for the player and Evra claimed all was not as it seemed.

In an interview on RMC Sport, the former Juventus, Manchester United and France left-back said: “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.”

Evra sick of Zidane talk already

Evra also spoke of what he believes is a lack of respect shown towards Deschamps, who has announced he will be standing down after next summer’s World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speculation surrounding his replacement has already started with Zinedine Zidane reportedly top of the French Football Federation’s wishlist.

Despite facing criticism for a perceived dour style of play, Evra believes Deschamps deserves more credit.

He added: “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.

“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?”

France are in Nations League action tonight and play the first leg of their quarter-final against Croatia.