Argentina captain Lionel Messi has mentioned defending champions France and Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar as they’ve a core group of gamers who’ve performed collectively for a very long time.
Messi mentioned Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain are all the time labelled favourites to win however the 35-year-old ahead feels France and Brazil are the most effective two groups going into the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 match.
“We all the time say the identical nice groups … however, if I’ve to decide on, Brazil and France are the 2 nice candidates to win the World Cup,” Messi advised DIRECTV Sports activities.
“They’ve had the identical group (of gamers) for a very long time, working nicely. France, other than the final Euros once they have been eradicated (within the final 16) and did badly, they’ve some spectacular gamers.
“They’ve a transparent concept and the identical coach (Didier Deschamps). Brazil is a bit the identical (beneath Tite).”
Messi didn’t point out Argentina, who’re unbeaten in 35 matches, among the many favourites though Lionel Scaloni’s facet gained the Copa America final yr by beating Brazil within the remaining.
However Argentina have been just lately hampered by accidents to key gamers Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria.
Scaloni described membership soccer’s fixture congestion in October as “horrible” however urged his gamers to not maintain again to keep away from the chance of harm forward of the World Cup.
“We’re in fairly a troublesome stage. The gamers are taking part in lots of video games,” Scaloni advised AFAestudio. “There could be issues as there are accidents (and) suspensions. It’s a part of being an elite participant and a nationwide workforce participant.
“I fear, however there may be little you are able to do. I consider that the participant has to exit on the pitch to play and never take into consideration what’s coming – it may be detrimental. Allow them to play naturally.”
Argentina face the United Arab Emirates in November of their remaining warm-up match earlier than heading to the World Cup the place they play their opening Group C sport towards Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22. Mexico and Poland are the opposite groups within the group