The 2018 FIFA World Cup is around the corner and Argentinean skipper Lionel Messi is ready for the fight. However, the Barcelona star disagreed to term Argentina as favourites for the mega event.
In an interview with DeporTV, Messi said:
“We are going with great enthusiasm and much desire. We have been preparing very well throughout our training camp. The team have great players on an individual level and we will fight as an equal to any team, even if we are not the favourites.”
Lionel Messi heads to the World Cup as the reigning Golden Ball winner after leading Argentina to the final in Brazil four years ago.
The 30-year old Messi expects the tournament will be even tougher this time.
“I have taken part in three World Cups in three different situations because of how they were played, and in all of them, I took positive things. The great favourites will arrive very well in terms of both their team and their individual players. I think it is going to be a very even World Cup,” Messi said.
The Barcelona superstar leads a 23-man squad full of dangerous forwards, including Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala, and Gonzalo Higuain. But one player who will definitely miss out now is Argentina forward Manuel Lanzini.
The West Ham player was hit by a ruptured anterior knee ligament injury during training.
Argentina couldn’t play their last friendly match before the World Cup as the team called off the match against Israel.
Moreover, the team smashed Haiti 4-0, thanks to Messi’s hattrick and a goal from Sergio Aguero which also assisted by the skipper.
Albiceleste will play their opening match against Iceland on June 16. The tricky Group D also includes Croatia and Nigeria.