Present in selection since 2006, Lionel Messi has experienced too many disappointments to make Argentina a favorite at the World Cup which is announced in Qatar.
The Argentinian, eliminated twice in the quarter-finals, unfortunate finalist in 2014 and kicked out of the competition by France from the 8th round in Russia, rather sees Neymar's Brazil and Mbappé's France take on the costume for this year 2022.
“Brazil and France are the two big candidates, those for whom it looks best.
France have impressive players, very clear ideas, and Brazil a bit the same,” the Albiceleste captain said in an interview with Argentine television DirecTV Sports on Friday.
The Argentinian goal record holder (90) also mentioned Germany, England and Spain among the main contenders for the coronation.
"SCALONI FUE FUNDAMENTAL PARA QUE EL GRUPO SEA LO QUE ES HOY"
⚽️ Lionel Messi refirió así al entrenador de la Selección Argentina.
🎙️ @giraltpablo #QATARSISenDIRECTV pic.twitter.com/iL0EquC7OC
— DSports (@DIRECTVSports) October 21, 2022
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On the strength of their victory at the Copa America in 2021 - Messi's first trophy in the selection -, undefeated for 35 games in all competitions, Argentina is still advancing towards Qatar with a lot of certainties and arguments to make. to be worth.
“With Argentina, we are doing well at the moment, people are enthusiastic.
The fans think we'll come back with the Cup, but it's not that easy.
A lot of things can happen, ”put the PSG player into perspective.
“Much better physically than last year”
At 35, he is in any case "looking forward to it", for what represents his last opportunity to win a World Cup.
Even if, perhaps invigorated by his very good start to the season with Paris, he wants to be a little less categorical than some time ago.
" We have to be realistic.
We will then see (what will happen) at the level of the condition.
I think day by day,” he explained, currently judging himself “much better physically than last year.”
Not always on the same wavelength as his coaches in the past, Leo Messi supports this time without hesitation the current incumbent, Lionel Scaloni.
“He has his own way of communicating, of treating the players.
He knows how to prepare the matches well, he reads the meetings well, ”welcomed the Pulga.
Argentina will play their first match on November 22 against Saudi Arabia, then will face Mexico and Poland.
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Sport
Soccer
Lionel Messi
Argentina
World Cup 2022
Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG)