Argentina captain Lionel Messi is willing to attest to the fact that his side does not fear anyone else in the FIFA World Cup 2022 but has urged fans to stay calm with the tournament in Qatar less than a month away. The talismanic forward, who also plays for PSG in France, is in good form in the ongoing 2022-23 season.
Messi guided Argentina to the Copa America trophy in 2021, while the Albiceleste are unbeaten in 35 games since 2019. They have been drawn alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C as they look to win their first World Cup title since 1986. "Today we are doing well and people are excited and think that we will come back with the Cup, but it is not like that," Argentina captain Messi told broadcaster Directv Sports.
"The World Cup is very difficult, many things have to happen (to win it), not only that we are doing well, many things that can leave you out and there are many teams that want the same as us and that are doing well. We are eager, we are going to fight, we are not afraid of anyone because we are ready to play against anyone, but with peace of mind."
Argentina's World Cup campaign in 2018 in Russia ended in heartbreak after the side were knocked out by France in a thrilling seven-goal game in the pre-quarterfinals. Hence, Messi felt that the opening match against Saudi Arabia on November 22 will be key to the team's chances.
"In the first minutes of the first game the nerves and anxiety are difficult to control. I think the first game is very important because starting with a win gives you peace of mind. Last World Cup, we started with a draw and I've always said that if I had scored the penalty and we had won it we would have changed the whole story," he said.
