PSG superstar Lionel Messi is gearing up to grace his fifth FIFA World Cup finals, as he bids to lift the golden trophy this time. The 35-year-old has come close to be crowned as world champion with his country in 2014, when Argentina contested the final against Germany in Brazil. However, a heartbroken Messi had to be content with the Golden Ball award as the Germans triumphed over his Argentina.
However, Lionel Messi has come a long way since then, losing 2 Copa America finals, getting ousted in the most embarrassing way at the 2018 FIFA World Cup to finally winning an international trophy with the La Albiceleste, lifting the Copa America last year. Now, the ‘La Pulga’ has set his eyes on the biggest prize in world football, with his team also among the hot favourites to go all the way in Qatar. However, Lionel Messi, a man of calm nerves has issued a stern warning to fellow national teammates of ‘falling into the trap’ of being termed as the favourites ahead of the tournament.
Lionel Messi cites lack of competitive games against European nations a draw back
Argentina and Lionel Messi are on a run of 35 games unbeaten, and could add to it at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Moreover, their system under new coach Lionel Scaloni, who took over the job after Argentina’s dismal showing at the 2018 World Cup, is a well-oiled machine which is no longer solely dependent on their captain fantastic to work wonders every other game. Although it was Messi’s rampant form at the Copa America where he scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists which steered Argentina to the triumph, the other team players too stepped up as well to help their captain achieve his dream of winning a piece of silverware with his country.
Their shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez, defenders, Christian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, midfielders Rodrigo de Paul, Leonardo Paredes and attackers Lautaro Martinez and Angel di Maria have massively contributed alongside the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to help Argentina remain unbeaten since 2019. The record itself is more than enough to put the two-time world champions in the bracket of pre-tournament favourites ahead of the World Cup, but Messi has cautioned his ‘mates to take is step by step. He said in interview to Universo Valdano:
“All national teams are tough to play against these days. Every team [at the World Cup] will be difficult to beat. We have not had many games against European teams [in our unbeaten run], although they don’t like playing against us either — playing against South American teams is tough as well. We are in good form going into the finals, but we can’t fall into trap of believing the hype that we are favorites and will win it. We have to be realistic and go step by step.
“France are good. They have some players injured, but they have a scary amount of potential in the squad. They have top players and a coach [Didier Deschamps] that has been there for a while with the same group and already won last the last World Cup. Brazil also have a core of players with a lot of quality, especially in the final third where they can beat men, they have good No.9s, Neymar.
“We are very excited. We have a very nice group that is very eager, but we think about going little by little. We know that World Cup groups are not easy. We hope to start the World Cup in the best way to face everything that comes after. We have a good core, too, and players in good form as well. The injury to Gio [Lo Celso] was bad luck because he is so important for us, but others have come in. We are going to fight. That’s the idea. But first, we have to focus on winning the opening game [vs. Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22].”
The former Barcelona captain might have played down the hype of his Argentina being serious contenders, but he has his point there. Argentina may have the unbeaten run of 35 games in their side, but they have only played against European nations twice in that period, against Germany [a 2-2 draw] and Italy [a 3-0 win]. Messi and co will have to stand up firm to the challenge of facing a string of European nations at the World Cup if they are to extend their unbeaten run by another 7 games and win the world title.