Benzema's mysterious message amid rumor over his final appearance
Reports in Spain suggest that France striker Karim Benzema could be in line for a shock return to Qatar to play in the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday night.
Benzema took to Instagram to launch a message. "That doesn't interest me," wrote the Real Madrid player as question marks hang over whether he'll be in Qatar for the final between France and Argentina.
Only Benzema knows if he is referring to that, as the topic has gained steam in recent days after Didier Deschamps' crude response about a possible appearance in Doha.
After beating Morocco, Deschamps did not confirm any plans, saying: "I'd prefer to move on to the next question." The coach's words came following word that the player has recovered from his injury sooner than expected. Benzema has been training with his Real Madrid teammates at Valdebebas for a week without problems and even played in a warm-up match against Leganes.
Even the Prime Minister of France himself, Emmanuel Macron, wants Karim in the capital of Qatar, after being excluded by Deschamps due to a muscle injury, though he wasn't replaced by another player.
The Real Madrid forward had been expected to miss the whole tournament after returning to Spain following a thigh injury that he suffered the day before the tournament began.
The 34-year-old was expected to be out for three weeks, meaning there was almost no chance that he would be match fit for the final, with no certainty Didier Deschamps' side would reach the showpiece after suffering a number of injuries, including Paul Pogba, Christopher Nkunku, Presnel Kimpembe, N'Golo Kante and Lucas Hernandez.
Benzema also anticipated that he would not be able to compete, saying: "So reason tells me to give my place to someone who can help our squad have a great World Cup."
Despite the gloomy prognosis, France did not call up a replacement, with Randal Kolo Muani already a late addition for the team's forward line.
The forward has also shown his support for his teammates on social media. Before the win against the Atlas Lions, without going any further, he published the above graphic that he accompanied with an encouraging message. "Come on guys, two more games and we're almost there... We're with you. Let's go". He did not take long to react, with a story on Instagram where he celebrated the win. "Into the final," read the message.
Now there is only one game left, on Sunday in Lusail. A match in which France could count on an exceptional fan. It depends on Benzema.
"That doesn't interest me," wrote the Madrid player on Instagram. Is he referring to this situation? Time will tell.