Former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino gave predictions for Lionel Messi's journey with Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. He said Argentina's path would not be easy.
According to him, there are four countries that can hinder the ambition of Lionel Messi and Argentina to win the World title. However, Pochettino admits that Argentina are favorites to win the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni's Tango team are in top form and have lifted two international trophies in the last 12 months. That includes their first Copa America title in nearly three decades that Argentina won in 2021.
Argentina is currently also in third place in the FIFA rankings. This position could be ranked first if Argentina won the title in Qatar.
Then who are the four tackles who can stop Lionel Messi and Argentina at the 2022 World Cup according to Pochettino? Check out his review.
Argentina Unbeaten
In the last 33 international matches, Argentina is unbeaten. With this record, Argentina became the fourth country in the list of unbeaten national teams.
This record is only four games away from surpassing the unbeaten record for the national team in the history of football. It is Roberto Mancini's Italy who are unbeaten in 37 matches from 2018 to 2021.
Brazil (1993-1996) and Spain (2007-2009) are in second place with 35 games unbeaten. Argentina could surpass Italy's record if they always win in friendly matches until the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Messi and Argentina tackle.
Pochettino said Lionel Messi and Argentina wanted to win the 2022 World Cup, so they had to get past the 4 toughest teams. " he said.
Pochettino also monitored Lionel Scaloni's strategy mix with the Argentine national team. "I think he did a great job," he said.
"Having won the Copa America has given him a lot of peace of mind; it serves as a lot of motivation. I believe that in football and he also has Leo Messi."
Messi is the difference
Argentina, according to Pochettino, can take advantage of Messi's ability to make a difference. Moreover, Messi will undergo his fifth World Cup which adds to his experience.
The former PSG manager also praised Messi for being physically in his best condition.
Reveal the side of Messi
Argentina will be in Group C at the 2022 World Cup, alongside Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. The competition will run from November 21 to the final match December 18, 2022.
Despite the lack of goals at PSG in Ligue 1 last season, Pochettino says Messi is key in every game. In this season leading up to the World Cup schedule, Messi also scored in PSG's 4-0 win over Nantes in the Trophee des Champions.
