World Cup 2022: Former Brazil Star Wants to See Messi Cry

• Ex-Brazil international Fred is relishing a World Cup semifinal between South American giants Argentina and Brazil
• Brazil could face Argentina in the semi-final should they pass their respective quarterfinal tests successfully
• The five-time world champions take on Croatia while Argentina face a tough tie against Holland

Former Brazil forward Fred has disclosed his utmost desire for the ongoing 2022 World Cup which will not sit down well with fans of Argentina and sympathizers of Lionel Messi.

The 39-year-old, who represented Brazil at the 2006 and 2014 World Cups, said he wants a dream semi-final showdown between his home nation and fierce South America rivals Argentina.

His desire could be realized if Brazil beat the 2018 World Cup finalists, Croatia, in their quarterfinal tie, while Messi's Argentina must also do the same against Holland in the second quarterfinal game on Friday.

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"I want the Brazil-Argentina semi-final," he told ESPN as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

Fred disclosed his dream semifinal tie is actually born out of a burning desire to see Argentina's talisman Lionel Messi in tears should the match-up come to fruition, Mirror notes.

"I want confusion, turmoil, Neymar's pen, Messi crying."

Messi has been a key component in Argentina's World Cup run, drawing blank in only one of four outings so far and will prove crucial if La Albiceleste will add to their previous two world titles.

Why Messi walks a lot

Lionel Messi's demeanour over the years has won him a lot of fans.

His grace and timid nature on the pitch are a sharp contrast to his screaming and out-of-this-world performances.

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Of all his mannerisms, a hawk-eyed fan would realise that Messi walks a lot during games.

Time traveller predicts doom for Argentina

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Argentina's wish of winning this year's World Cup in Qatar hangs in the balance after a 'Time Traveller' shared the winner of the tournament on TikTok.

La Albiceleste are looking to win back-to-back major tournaments in the Middle East country, having ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Copa America last year in Brazil.

Lionel Messi and his teammates will face the Netherlands in a mouthwatering quarter-final clash at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Friday evening, with the winner facing either Brazil or Croatia in the semi-finals.