Football moves centre-stage after troubled World Cup build-up
FootballLionel Messi’s Doctor Reveals Stunning Reasons He Wants Argentina to Lose All Group Matches
- Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi is hoping to finally lay his hands on the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar
- But his own trusted doctor is strongly rooting against Argentina from winning a single game in the Middle East nation
- Argentina are one of the favourites for winning this year's World Cup, alongside South American counterparts Brazil and European giants France
Lionel Messi’s doctor, Diego Schwarzstein, has said that he doesn't want Argentina to win a single game at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Messi will be hoping to lead his country to their third World Cup title in the Middle East, having already won the tournament in 1978 and 1986.
The South American giants are among the strongest contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar and are unbeaten in 35 matches coming into the World Cup.
Argentina are tipped by bookmakers to progress from their group, which features Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C. The Copa America champions will begin their campaign on Tuesday, November 22.
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But Messi's personal doctor has opened up on why he wants Argentina to fail woefully at football's greatest showpiece which kick-started on Sunday, November 20.
Schwarzstein treated Messi earlier in his career when he was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency and the pair have maintained a close relationship ever since.
He explained that Argentina's current government will likely use any success at the World Cup as a cover-up to make drastic decisions in the country.
“As a football fan, I would like Argentina to be champions," he told The Times. "As an Argentine citizen, as a human being, I would like them to lose all three games and be eliminated in the first round.
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Football"Why? I’m convinced that this obscenely populist government that we have here would use the success of Argentina at the World Cup to cover things up. They could announce the devaluation of the currency on the day that the team play when no one is focused on that.”
Messi came close to winning the Mundial in 2014, scoring four goals to help the La Albiceleste advance to the final before losing 1-0 to Germany in the final thanks to Mario Gotze's extra-time goal.
The empyrean Argentine was disappointed again in the 2018 edition when they were eliminated by France in the round of 16.
Messi to quit Argentina after World Cup
Sports Brief earlier reported that Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has hinted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is his last.
At 35 years of age, the Barcelona legend knows too well that he has entered the sunset years of his football career.
And speaking ahead of Argentina's Group C opener against Saudi Arabia, Messi suggested that he is unlikely to take part in the next World Cup set for 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.