FIFA World Cup 2018: Hat-Trick Hero Lionel Messi Downplays Argentina’s World Cup Chances
May 30, 2018 at 12:27 PM
Argentina star Lionel Messi has downplayed his team’s chances in the upcoming 2018 World Cup in Russia.
However, the Barcelona superstar was quick to insist the South Americans are ready for the challenge. Argentina will be looking to go one step better this time after suffering heartbreak in the finals of the last edition.
Messi & Co. warmed up for the competition in style with a crushing 4-0 victory over Caribbean minnows, Haiti in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
Messi starred in the game, scoring thrice to take his international tally to 64 goals in addition to assisting Sergio Aguero. Speaking after the match, Messi spoke on his team’s chances in Russia,
“I am very grateful to all the people, we always felt the affection of all, not like other times that we received insults.”
“We all go to Russia for the same reason, the World Cup is the dream of us, of the country. We are not candidates, but we are very good, training and improving day by day.
” Have good players, and we are getting stronger to fight as an equal with anyone,” he added.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner further said Argentina are currently focussing on starting the competition with a win.
“In a World Cup, logic is almost never given. We have to aim to win the first game, which is the most important because it will give us peace of mind,” he said. “Let no one have doubts that we are going to try everything, as people always ask us.”
Argentina will face Israel on June 9 before going head-to-head with Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D.
Jorge Sampaoli’s men are one of the pre-tournament favourites along with reigning champions Germany, Brazil, France and Spain. Argentina are seeking to win their third World Cup and first since 1986.