Lionel Messi said Argentina is not afraid of any team at the World Cup but urges fans to stay calm with the tournament in Qatar less than a month away.
Copa America champions Argentina are unbeaten in 35 matches since 2019 and have been held to a draw Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C as they want to win their first World Cup since 1986.
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“We were playing well today and everyone was very excited and thought we would be back with the Cup, but it’s not,” said the Argentina captain and Paris Saint-Germain star Messi told Directv Sports.
“The World Cup is very difficult, a lot has to happen [to win it]It’s not just that we’re doing well, a lot of things can let you down and there are a lot of teams that want to be like us and that’s doing really well.
“We are eager, we will fight, we are not afraid of anyone because we are ready to fight anyone, but rest assured.”
Messi also said that the defending champions France and South American colleagues Brazil is his favorite to raise the trophy in Qatar.
Argentina started the 2018 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw first Iceland – a match where Messi missed a penalty – and finished second in their group before being eliminated by the eventual winner France in the last 16.
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Messi thinks the opening match against Saudi Arabia on November 22 will be the key to opening the team’s opportunities.
“In the first minutes of the first game, it was very difficult to control the stress and anxiety,” Messi said.
“I think the first game is very important because starting with a win gives you peace of mind.
“Last year’s World Cup, we started with a draw and I always say that if I score a penalty and win, we’ll change the whole story.”
Argentina played their final warm-up against United Arab Emirates on November 16
