Former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham has backed Germany to edge out Argentina in tonight's World Cup final.

The encounter has been billed as the tournament's best team against the world's best player - Argentina's Lionel Messi.

However, Higginbotham believes that the Germans have the ability to keep Messi quiet, before going on to win the contest 2-1 after extra-time.

"Going for a low scoring game today but the Germans to win in extra-time 2-1 especially if they can keep Messi quiet," the 35-year-old wrote on Twitter.

"As I have heard previously today is Messi v the machine. Argentina so dependent on Messi and Germany outstanding team mentality."

Germany and Argentina have met in two previous World Cup finals, with one victory apiece.