World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi Names 3 Countries That Can Win the Tournament Apart from Argentina

• With five teams already through to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi has made a new prediction for the tournament
• The Paris Saint-Germain superstar contends there are three other teams apart from Argentina who stand a chance to win the 2022 edition of the competition
• France, Spain, England, and the Netherlands are among the teams who have booked a spot in the quarterfinals

Lionel Messi has made a fresh prediction on the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Messi's Argentina have widely been touted as favourites to win the 2022 edition of the competition, thanks to their impressive run and squad depth.

La Albiceleste are already in the quarterfinals of the competition after seeing off Australia in the Round of 16.

The Lionel Scaloni-tutored side are now scheduled to face the Netherlands in the last eight for a chance to advance to the semis.

Crazy moment of how fans in Bangladesh celebrated Messi's goal against Mexico, video

Football

Messi's World Cup prediction

Despite the odds being largely on Argentina to be crowned world champions, Messi contends there are three other countries who can pass as favourites to conquer the world.

According to the Paris Saint-Germain ace, holders France, multiple winners Brazil, and 2010 champions Spain are all favourites to lift the prestigious trophy.

Incredibly, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner inadvertently snubbed England from his list of favourites, with the Three Lions already in the last eight after their big win over Senegal in the round of 16.

"Brazil is playing very well, except for the defeat they had against Cameroon. They continue to be one of the great favourites," Messi told reporters via The Mirror UK.

“Also, France. And Spain, despite the manner of their progress (losing against Japan), because they played very well, they are really clear about what he their game is when they have the ball, they control possession for a long time of the game," the Barca icon continued.

World Cup: Senegal fans pay touching tribute to late legend Papa Bouba Diop during Ecuador game

Football

Messi ends knockout goal-scoring drought

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal in his 1000th game in what has been an illustrious football career.

After suffering a setback in their opening game against Saudi Arabia, Messi inspired La Albiceleste to the knockout phase, defeating Mexico and Poland by 2-0, respectively.

On the occasion of his milestone appearance, Messi further embellished his status as one of the best, if not the best, ever footballer the sport has witnessed.