Messi names France and Brazil as favourites to win World Cup

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has stated 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 stated Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain are at all times labelled favourites to win however the 35-year-old ahead feels France and Brazil are one of the best two groups going into the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 event.

“We always say the same great teams … but, if I have to choose, Brazil and France are the two great candidates to win the World Cup,” Messi advised DIRECTV Sports.

“They’ve had the identical group (of gamers) for a very long time, working properly. France, apart from the final Euros once they had been eradicated (within the final 16) and did badly, they’ve some spectacular gamers.

“They have a clear idea and the same coach (Didier Deschamps). Brazil is a bit the same (under Tite).”

Messi didn’t point out Argentina, who’re unbeaten in 35 matches, among the many favourites although Lionel Scaloni’s facet gained the Copa America final 12 months by beating Brazil within the last.

But 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 “terrible” however urged his gamers to not maintain again to keep away from the chance of damage forward of the World Cup.

“We are in quite a difficult stage. The players are playing a lot of 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 crew participant.

“I worry, but there is little you can do. I believe that the player has to go out on the pitch to play and not think about what’s coming – it can be detrimental. Let them play naturally.”

Argentina face the United Arab Emirates in November of their last warm-up match earlier than heading to the World Cup the place they play their opening Group C sport in opposition to Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22. Mexico and Poland are the opposite groups within the group