close_game
close_game

We are not going to the World Cup as favourites: Lionel Messi

Indo Asian News Service, Buenos Aires | ByIndo Asian News Service
May 30, 2018 07:13 PM IST

Lionel Messi says Argentina is a great team, but doesn’t see his team as one of the favourites for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Star forward Lionel Messi feels Argentina are not going to the World Cup in Russia as favourites but have players in their arsenal who can “fight against anyone”.

Argentina's Lionel Messi during the international friendly football match against Haiti at Boca Juniors' stadium La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.(AFP)
Argentina's Lionel Messi during the international friendly football match against Haiti at Boca Juniors' stadium La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.(AFP)

Messi netted a hattrick as Argentina brushed aside Haiti 4-0 in a friendly at La Bombonera leading up to the World Cup.

The FC Barcelona star broke the deadlock by slotting home a penalty before adding two more goals in eight second-half minutes.

Messi then turned provider, setting up substitute Sergio Aguero for the final goal with 21 minutes remaining.

“I want to thank all the fans that supported us tonight,” Messi told TyC Sports after the match.

READ | Lionel Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina rout Haiti ahead of FIFA World Cup 2018

“More than the result we were able to say goodbye to our fans and enjoy their support. I really appreciate all the love from our fans.

“We are not going to the World Cup as favourites but we are a great team with players ready to fight against anyone. This group of players have been together for a long time and we really want to go for an important title.

“We are going to Russia with all the enthusiasm. We will put all what we have on the field as our fans always ask. We are the first ones who want to accomplish the dream of winning the World Cup,” he added.

Argentina are in group D alongwith Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria. Messi has never won a World Cup, coming closest in 2014 but his side lost to Germany in the final.

Stay updated with the...
See more
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On