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The drama around the French team kicked off just before the finals as the team is dealing with a mysterious illness and another set of injuries. Adding to this pot of drama, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has reportedly rejected an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the World Cup final. Benzema suffered a thigh injury days before France's first World Cup game, which led to him flying home.
Like many other injured players, Benzema was invited to watch the final against Argentina at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, but he did not accept the invitation. However, other players who were out of the tournament like Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku will be in Qatar alongside Macron and his wife, Brigitte.
On Friday, Benzema shared a photo on Instagram with a caption saying "I am not interested," which could be referring to the invitation. As reported by ESPN, Benzema "is fully behind the team and wants them to win this title, which will be his a little bit in a way." The Real Madrid number nine is still part of France's World Cup squad as he wasn’t replaced after his injury.
France coach Didier Deschamps also talked about the rumours surrounding Benzema and stated that he isn’t dealing with these invitations. He said, "There have been players injured and Karim was one of them. Since that time, I have had 24 players to look after. Asking this question [about Benzema returning] is clumsy in regards to them. I don't deal with invitations for the final for injured players or former players. Some will be there, others not."
French football legends Laurent Blanc, Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini will be in the audience for the final. Similarly, Olympic champion Teddy Riner, and former France international Alain Giresse will also be supporting Les Bleus at the Lusail Stadium.