Rooney Tags Messi As Football’s Greatest Player, Backs Argentina to Win 2022 FIFA World Cup

• Wayne Rooney is tipping Argentina to emerge as champions of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, set to kick off in Qatar on November 20
• Messi will aim to win his first World Cup title and Argentina’s 3rd overall, in his 5th World Cup appearance for the South Americans
• Argentina has been paired with Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland in Group C, and are certain to advance from the group stages

Wayne Rooney believes Argentina stands a very good chance of emerging as champions of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ahead of all the other 31 nations heading to Qatar.

Argentina are two-time world champions and will be seeking a third title in the Middle East, having previously won the competition in 1978 and 1986.

Rooney has now backed Argentina to win the title in Qatar, as he says Lionel Scaloni’s team has plenty of good, solid players around Lionel Messi to make that dream a reality, The Times reports.

Haaland names Messi's Argentina, Kane's England, Benzema's France, Neymar's Brazil as World Cup favourites

Football

The former Manchester United forward also noted that La Albiceleste will also be full of confidence heading into the World Cup.

Rooney says winning the Copa America last year has taken a bit of pressure off them, while also suggesting the weather in Qatar will also work in favour of the Argentines.

Rooney backs United sacking Ronaldo

Meanwhile, Rooney called the remarks of his former strike partner at Manchester United strange, while responding to Cristiano Ronaldo's 'rat' jab, Daily Mail reports.

The 37-year-old also appears to back the Red Devils' move to sack Ronaldo, following the Portugal forward’s explosive interview criticising the club and manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo tore into Rooney for lambasting him in the public space, claiming there was 'jealousy' because CR7 was more attractive and still active as a footballer.

Messi's Argentina and champions France jet to World Cup

Football

Pochettino backs Argentina to win

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Lionel Messi has no choice but to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - if he wants to be regarded as football’s all-time great.

Mauricio Pochettino is of the opinion that like Maradona and Pele, Messi also needs to win the World Cup to be considered the best in the world.

At 35, Messi will be heading to what many believe will be his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament, after previously failing four times to win the competition.