Messi believes that Brazil, France and England are the first favourites
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi does not think Argentina are one of the favorites to win the World Cup in Qatar. According to the PSG star player, Brazil, France and England in particular are better than the rest, he said in an interview with South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL.
The 35-year-old Argentine, who is likely to play in his last World Cup, does not expect the outsider to be the world champion. “When you talk about rivals, you always talk about the same teams,” said Messi. “If I had to mention a few that stand out above the rest, I think Brazil, France and England are a little better than the others.”
Messi is reticent about his chances. “We have a very good and eager team, but we believe step by step. We know that the group stages of the World Cup are not easy,” said Messi, who will compete with the Argentine national team against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland. Messi believes that Argentina have a well-coordinated team led by coach Lionel Scaloni that won the Copa America last year. “We know each other’s characteristics and what’s best for each moment.”
Argentina plays an exhibition match against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, ahead of the first World Cup match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, November 22nd. Argentina already won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986. And in 2014, the Argentines lost the final to Germany with Messi.
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