Antoine Griezmann hasn’t had a memorable time at the World Cup so far, after a series of back-to-back average performances, as France approach round of 16 meeting with Argentina.

The Atletico Madrid forward has looked far from his best during the group stage of the competition, while his countrymen Olivier Giroud suggested Griezmann was not at his physical best after having endured a long season making almost 60 appearances for club and country.

Recently midfielder Paul Pogba, who has had his share of criticism to deal with, came to Griezmann’s defence.

“Don’t touch my Grizou,” Pogba said with a smile last week. “You’ve forgotten the Euro.”

The 27-year old was the top goalscorer at Euro 2016, however, five of his six goals came in the knockout stages.

“Just because he didn’t score in the last match doesn’t mean he’s not the same Grizou,” Pogba said after the 1-0 win over Peru.

Griezmann had spoken about his form as he aims to go all the way with France’s talented side in Russia.

“I hope to raise my level again in the last 16,” he said.

“It was the same at the Euro. It wasn’t until the last 16 that I hit my stride. So we’ll see. I have confidence in my game.”

Griezmann’s team mate at Atletico – Lucas Hernandez, too has leapt to the defence of the striker, saying he is rated among the world’s best and cannot be doubted.

“He’s fine. You should never doubt one of the best players in the world,” said Hernandez.

“Here’s hoping he shuts up everyone who is talking about him in the last 16.”

Meanwhile, France’s other attackers have struggled too, and placing the blame solely on Griezmann would be unfair.

Griezmann though has found linking up with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele tough.

He did manage to look dangerous when paired alongside Giroud against Peru, but the pair couldn’t find their chemistry against Denmark, with Griezmann failing to even complete a single pass to the Chelsea striker during the first half.

“I felt good in the first half. I tried to drop back from time to time to pick up the ball,” Griezmann added. “In the second half I tried to be closer to the area so I touched the ball less often, but that’s the way I wanted to play.”

And now the Frenchman has snubbed the chance to join Messi at Barcelona, Griezmann will look to come out on top when he faces the Argentinian magician this weekend.