2022 World Cup: Lionel Messi Names 5 Countries That Can Win the Tournament in Qatar

• Lionel Messi has identified five teams that he believes stand the best chance of winning the 2022 edition of the World Cup
• According to the 35-year-old Argentine forward, Germany, England, and Spain are among the teams that can lift the prestigious crown
• Incidentally, Messi's Argentina have separately been touted as favourites to win the tournament for the third time in their history
• La Albicelestes are currently in hot form, having gone 35 games unbeaten, with Messi playing a pivotal role in the process with 22 goals during the period

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has singled out five countries he believes are favourites to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Up to 32 teams are scheduled to compete for the global football showpiece when the tournament kicks off later in November.

A number of world football heavyweights will be looking to win the prestigious trophy, with France, who won the last edition in Russia, keen to defend the crown.

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Messi's Argentina have also been touted as favourites to conquer the world for the third time in their history.

However, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner contends five teams stand a realistic chance of winning the Qatar edition of the tournament.

According to the Barcelona icon, England's The Three Lions are among the favourites alongside Germany and Spain.

But the 35-year-old was quick to single out reigning champions France and Argentina's South America rivals, Brazil, are the firm favourites.

“As for the favourites, there are big teams like Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain. And I’m sure I’m forgetting some,” Messi told RMC Sport.

“But if I have to keep one or two, today I think Brazil and France are the two big candidates for this World Cup," he added.

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Dybala doubt for World Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Paulo Dybala has emerged as a major doubt for the 2022 World Cup after he picked up an injury while in action for Roma.

The ex-Juventus ace pulled up clutching the left leg shortly after he had scored for Roma from the penalty spot against Lecce.

Jose Mourinho has since described Dybala's injury as 'very bad' with the forward now unlikely to line up for Argentina in Qatar.