Messi did not mention Argentina, despite winning the Copa America in 2021, defeating arch-rivals, Brazil in the final of the regional competition
By Kehinde Okeowo
Argentina forward, Lionel Messi, has sent tongues wagging on social media after leaving out his country while listing the favourites to win the 2022 World Cup taking place in Qatar in November.
Messi made the prediction while talking to DIRECTV Sports, snubbing Argentina and tipping defending champions France and continental rivals, Brazil, as favourites to win the Mundial.
According to the 35-year-old striker, the two countries have a core group of players who have played together for a long time.
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He went on to say they have good coaches and clear ideas of how they want to play and go about their business on the pitch.
He said, “If I have to choose, Brazil and France are the two great candidates to win the World Cup.
“They’ve had the same group for a long time, working well.
“France, aside from the last Euros when they were eliminated [in the last 16] and did badly, they have some impressive players.
“They have a clear idea and the same coach [Didier Deschamps]. Brazil is a bit the same [under Tite],”
Messi omitted Argentina’s name, despite winning the Copa America in 2022 defeating arch-rivals, Brazil, in the final of the South American competition.