2018 World Cup: Messi keen to avoid Spain
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi says the worst possible draw for his Argentina side at next year’s World Cup would be Spain in the first round.
“The worst that could happen to us would be to draw Spain at the group stages,” Messi told TyC Sports Wednesday from Moscow where Argentina play Russia in a friendly on Saturday.
“I would prefer to avoid them, they’d be tough opponents.”
In the interview with the Argentinian television station, Messi named Brazil, Germany and France alongside Spain as favourites to take the World Cup crown in Russia.
“I think that at the moment, they’re the strongest teams who give the best impressions, those who are playing best, with the best individuals.”
Messi also broached Argentina’s last-gasp qualification for the World Cup finals, which the Barcelona star sealed with a hat-trick in a rare 3-1 away victory over Ecuador.
“I always believed we’d get there, but I thought we would have tied up qualification before the Ecuador game,” said Messi, reiterating that he would like to end his career in his Argentinian birthplace of Rosario.
“I would love to play for Newell’s Old Boys, in the stadium where I’ve seen so many matches,” he said.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the coming years, how I’m going to feel. I live from day to day, I’m not focused on the future.”
More Stories
SPAIN PROSECUTORS TO APPEAL RULING OVERTURNING ALVES’ RAPE CONVICTION
Spanish prosecutors said Wednesday they would a appeal a court ruling that overturned former Brazil international footballer Dani Alves’ rape...
TINUBU LEADS DIGNITARIES TO NDSF OPENING CEREMONY IN UYO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to on Wednesday, April 2nd flag off the much anticipated Niger Delta Sports Festival...
FEDPOFFA HOSTS 50 POLYTECHNICS AS 22ND NIPOGA KICKS OFF TODAY
The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, is set to host 50 polytechnics from across the country as the 22nd Nigeria...
EAL MADRID EDGE REAL SOCIEDAD IN THRILLING 4-4 DRAW, ADVANCE TO FINAL ON AGGREGATE
Real Madrid secured their place in the Copa Del Rey final after a dramatic 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad at...
EPL: ELANGA’S STUNNING GOAL SINKS MAN UTD AS N’FOREST CHASE UCL SPOT
Nottingham Forest took a significant step toward Champions League qualification as Anthony Elanga’s brilliant solo goal secured a 1-0 victory...
EPL: SAKA SCORES ON RETURN AS ARSENAL DEFEAT FULHAM 2-1
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka marked his return from a 101-day injury layoff with a goal, helping the Gunners secure a...