Ibrahimovic: 'The 2022 World Cup is destined for Messi'

*Argentina - Croatia: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, on MetaSports.

"I think the World Cup is destined, you know what I mean," Ibrahimovic said in a December 12 interview about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. "I believe Messi will lift the Cup, it is destined."

Ibrahimovic said that the fact that fierce opponents such as Spain, Portugal, Brazil stopped early, as well as Italy did not attend, creating conditions for Argentina to quench their thirst for World Cup championship lasting since 1986. Sweden does not think Croatia or France can stop Messi and his teammates.

Messi is playing prominently at the fifth, and likely final, World Cup of his career. The 35-year-old striker has contributed four goals and two assists, winning the Player of the Match award three times - the most this year.

He and his teammates will meet Croatia in the first semi-final, at 2pm on December 14, Hanoi time. One day later, France met Morocco to determine the final ticket to the final. Four years ago, France beat Croatia 4-2 to win the championship. Meanwhile, the last time Argentina reached the World Cup final was in 2014, when they lost 0-1 to Germany in extra time.

"Morocco is an organized, quality team," Ibrahimovic warned France. "I'm not surprised by their journey because in the World Cup anything is possible."

When asked about Portugal's defeat and Cristiano Ronaldo's tears, Ibrahimovic appeared calm. The Milan star said: "Not every great player wins the World Cup. When you don't win it, you get emotional."

Ibrahimovic also believes that the truth about Ronaldo leaving Man Utd will never be revealed because only insiders know. Ibrahimovic played for Man Utd from 2016 to 2018, and twice attended the World Cup in 2002 and 2006.