“I am Going to the World Cup Being Realistic”—Lionel Messi

Few days back, the football world was talking about league football, but as the days draw closer, attention turns further towards the Qatar World Cup, and for Lionel Messi, he is keeping his hopes realistic with the times.

Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, wants Albiceleste to dispel the myth that they are one of the favorites to win this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina, which will compete in the competition starting this weekend, needs to be realistic, according to Messi, and take things slowly.

The 35-year-old and his squad are traveling to Qatar after a 35-game winning streak that began in 2019.

At the World Cup, Argentina is in Group C with Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico.

The last time La Albiceleste took home a World Cup trophy was in 1986.

“All national teams are tough to play against these days,” Messi told Universo Valdano when asked about his country’s chances in Qatar.

“Every team [at the 2022 FIFA World Cup] will be difficult to beat.

“We haven’t 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 the trap of believing the hype that we’re favourites and will win it. We have to be realistic and go step by step.”

Of course, these are all political talks to lessen the pressure on the Argentine team going into the World Cup considering all eyes are on Lionel Messi and his last dance with Argentina.