‘Fearless’ Argentina Captain Leo Messi Issues Strong Warning to Other Teams Ahead of 2022 World Cup

• Argentina captain Lionel Messi says his side are dauntless about the opposition going to the 2022 FIFA World Cup
• Messi's Albiceleste currently hold the longest active undefeated streak ahead of the World Cup and have been touted as one of the favourites to win the tournament
• Argentina have been drawn with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C as they look to win their first World Cup title since 1986

Lionel Messi has made a bold statement about the chances of Argentina ahead of the soon-to-start 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Messi's Argentina have been in splendid form ahead of the quadrennial tournament, unbeaten in 35 matches, the longest active undefeated streak.

The run, which began in 2019, has seen the Albiceleste win the 2021 Copa America and the Finalissima against Italy, making the South Americans one of the favourites to win this year's Mundial.

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Owing from the enviable statistics ahead of the World Cup, the 35-year-old admits expectations are high but he urged fans of Argentina to stay calm.

"Today we are doing well and people are excited and think that we will come back with the Cup, but it is not like that," Messi told broadcaster Directv Sports via Super Sport.

Despite calming the expectations of fans, the Argentina captain warned his side are unfazed by any opposition prior to the World Cup in Qatar less than a month away.

"The World Cup is very difficult, many things have to happen [to win it], not only that we are doing well, many things that can leave you out and there are many teams that want the same as us and that are doing well.

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"We are eager, we are going to fight, we are not afraid of anyone because we are ready to play against anyone, but with peace of mind."

Messi names 5 countries likely to win World Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that 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.