The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad
Football2022 World Cup: Spain Boss Luis Enrique Tips Leo Messi’s Argentina to Win Mundial
- The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is nearly upon us, and for the first time since the tournament's inauguration in 1930, it will kick off in the winter instead of the summer
- Brazil and Argentina have emerged as frontrunners to clinch the coveted World Cup trophy on December 18
- Argentina have been drawn into Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Robert Lewandowski's Poland
With the excitement and tension truly building ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the head coach of Spain Luis Enrique has thrown his weight behind Argentina to win the soon-to-start Mundial if La Roja fails to achieve the ultimate.
Argentina has not won the World Cup since 1986 but there is a strong chance Qatar 2022 could be their year.
Currently riding on the back of an impressive 36-game unbeaten run, Lionel Scaloni's charges have the second-highest probability of winning this year's World Cup.
La Albiceleste, who are the favourites in Group C, have a 13% chance of going on to scoop the trophy this year, according to Opta Stats via BBC.
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Despite being included by Opta as one of the frontrunners for the coveted trophy, Spain boss Luis Enrique reckons if his side fails to win their second world title he fancies Argentina to go all the way.
“If Spain doesn't win World Cup, let Argentina win," Enrique said as quoted by Madrid Zone.
Fati shines as Spain win
Ansu Fati scored his first Spain goal for over two years as Luis Enrique's side beat Jordan 3-1 on Thursday in a World Cup warm-up friendly in Amman.
The Barcelona forward, 20, has suffered from injury problems for most of that time but immediately repaid his coach's decision to include him with a convincing display.
Lionel Messi jokes with teammates by faking an injury during Argentina's public training
FootballFati and Marco Asensio, two of the players whose inclusion in the World Cup squad was questioned in some quarters, combined for the opener in the 13th minute.
Argentina backed to win World Cup
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that stockbroker has backed Argentina to win the 2022 edition of the World Cup set to be staged in Qatar later in the year.
Argentina are among a number of football heavyweights who will be gunning for the global showpiece when the tournament kicks off later in November.
La Albiceleste have won the World Cup on two occasions (in 1986 and 1978) - meaning Lionel Messi and the current crop of players are yet to lay their hands on the coveted silverware.