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Emiliano Martinez says Lionel Messi is playing 'better' than he thought possible as they prepare for Sunday's World Cup final against France, as the Aston Villa goalkeeper labels him 'the greatest player of all time'

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says Argentina, roared on by 50,000 of their own fans, have what it takes to beat France because they have ‘the greatest player of all time’ in Lionel Messi.

Martinez said they were building on their victory at the Copa America last year, where they beat Brazil in Rio de Janeiro to win the nation’s first major trophy since 1993.

‘When we won in Brazil they were considered favourites and it’s the same now, but we have the advantage of having the greatest player of all time,’ said Martinez.