With Argentina, who will enter the World Cup in Qatar unbeaten in 35 games following a strong qualification campaign and last year’s Copa America victory in Brazil, Lionel Messi is aware that he still has a chance to win the tournament.
Four years after Argentina’s contentious World Cup campaign in Russia, which ended in the round of 16, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is ready to play in his fifth and last tournament.
Argentina just missed winning a third World Cup eight years ago after losing in extra time to Germany in the championship game. Since taking over as head coach, Lionel Scaloni, who was Jorge Sampaoli’s assistant in 2018, there is now genuine optimism in the team’s ability to repeat.
Messi said to Directv Sports last month, “We are eager, we’re going to battle, and we are not afraid of anyone because we are ready to play against anyone.”
“I believe the first game is crucial because it gives you the confidence to start out winning.”
Messi missed a penalty in Argentina’s opening game in Russia, holding them to a 1-1 draw and setting the tone for a terrible campaign.
They will be given a strong advantage over Mexico and Poland to win Group C. Their opening match is against Saudi Arabia, who are motivated not to merely qualify for the tournament under the direction of two-time Africa Cup of Nations champion coach Herve Renard.
Mexico has little trouble getting to the knockout round; they shocked the previous champions Germany in the first round of the 2018 World Cup in Russia before running into Brazil and losing for the seventh time in a row.
Andres Guardado, a seasoned midfielder, will join Messi in competing in his sixth World Cup. He shared the record for most Mexico appearances with the legendary Claudio Suarez with 177, and his final debut came in a 2006 tournament round-of-16 defeat to Argentina.
Four years later, Mexico lost to the same opponents at the same stage once more, but El Tri will hope that with the guidance of Gerardo Martino, a former Argentina, and Barcelona coach, they can get over this problem.
Lewandowski ‘hurt’ by 2018 failure –
Robert Lewandowski, who has broken goalscoring records but has yet to make an impact at a World Cup, is unquestionably the key to Poland’s future.
As Poland booked their trip to Qatar, the 34-year-old scored nine goals in as many games, bringing his total to 25 goals in 19 games during the previous two World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Poland’s subservient exit from the group stage in 2018 still stings for Lewandowski. He admitted to the FIFA website that “it was one of the biggest disappointments of my career.” “I didn’t have any chances, and that still hurts,” the player said.
If Poland wants to go to the knockout round for the first time since 1986, the Barcelona forward, who is also the nation’s captain and leading scorer all-time, must take the initiative.
Lewandowski, who was controversially defeated by Messi for the Ballon d’Or award last year, is keen to take against the Argentine and possibly put a stop to his World Cup aspirations.
“There is no doubt that will be our toughest game since they have an amazing legend like Leo Messi as their leader. To take on such a great team with such skilled players will be fantastic, he remarked.
