Messi: 'Argentina cannot fall into the hope of winning'
"We went to the 2022 World Cup when we were in top form. But we couldn't fall into the madness of people, believing that Argentina would definitely become the champion. You have to be realistic and go step by step. ", said Messi during the Universo Valdano show on Movistar +.
The Argentine captain regretted that his midfield teammate Giovani Lo Celso had to undergo surgery and was removed from the list to go to Qatar. However, Messi admits Argentina currently has a good team when Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, Angel Di Maria and Cristian Romero recover from injuries.
According to Messi, the defending champions France and Brazil are the top candidates, because they have a very strong squad. "Every team in the 2022 World Cup is complicated," he added. "Argentina haven't had a lot of games against European teams lately. They don't like it either. It's also difficult to meet other South American teams."
Although he did not include Spain in the list of candidates, Messi highly appreciated the team led by coach Luis Enrique. "It's a young team, but has a clear idea of playing," the 35-year-old striker emphasized. "They move, fight for the ball and play with the same style every game, no matter who the opponent is."
Messi admits Argentina relieves more pressure and plays more naturally after winning the Copa America 2021. He said: "After so many years with so many disappointments, an impressive moment has come for Argentina. That's why. Why am I crying after winning the Copa America?"
Argentina is in high form with a 35-match unbeaten streak, and will break Italy's record if it is unbeaten for three rounds of the 2022 World Cup. Messi praises the way coach Lionel Scaloni communicates with each player and prepares for each. The match helps a lot for the team. "Scaloni has always had a very special personality, ever since he was a player," Messi said. "Scaloni chooses the squad without caring what other people say. He is very simple, ordinary and practical."
Messi joined the Argentina team in Abu Dhabi and attended an open training session at Al Nahyan Stadium on November 14. In addition to Messi, coach Scaloni has 13 other players in this training session, including Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Julian Alvarez, Exequiel Palacios, Franco Armani, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Cristian Romero , Nahuel Molina and German Pezzella. Although not injured, Nicolas Tagliafico had to practice separately because he played the full match Lyon drew with Nice 1-1 in Ligue 1 on November 12.
Already 15,000 fans came to Al Nahyan Stadium to watch, although Argentina did not have a full force and only practiced lightly after the last series of matches at club level. Messi and his teammates will continue to practice lightly today before playing a friendly against the UAE in Abu Dhabi on November 16.
