Argentina star forward Lionel Messi has named defending champions France and five-time champions Brazil as the favourites to win the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The Argentine captain stated that both the teams have the same group of players for a long time that could strengthen their chance to win the marquee event.
The 35-year-old magician believed Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain always feature strong teams and possess enough firepower to win the tournament, however the PSG star shortlisted France and Brazil to lift the trophy in Qatar.
While talking to DIRECTV Sports, Messi said, "We always say the same great teams ... but, if I have to choose, Brazil and France are the two great candidates to win the World Cup."
Although France faced a defeat at the UEFA Euro 2020 in the last 16 stage, the Didier Deschamps side are still favorites as they have many star players in their lineup. Apart from Brazil's 1-0 defeat against Argentina in the finals of the 2021 Copa America, the Tite-led side have done pretty well in international tournaments.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup finalist explained, "They've had the same group for a long time, working well. France, aside from the last Euros when they were eliminated and did badly, they have some impressive players. They have a clear idea and the same coach (Didier Deschamps). Brazil is a bit the same (under Tite)."
Argentina are currently on a 35-match unbeaten streak, however the record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner didn't name his own side as the world cup favourites. Messi didn't name Argentina as favourites possibly due to the injury concern over star players like Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria.
