Football
Messi: I don’t want to face these teams in world cup
By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye
Argentina superstar, Lionel Messi has named the country he would like to avoid in the group stage at next summer’s World Cup finals.
Messi scored a superb hat-trick last month to ensure the La Albiceleste qualified for the tournament in Russia as they defeated Ecuador 3-1 in Quito.
The 30-year-old has picked out the side he does not want to face.
According to him, Spain, Brazil, Germany and France are among the teams to beat.
“I wouldn’t like to be drawn against Spain, who are one of the rivals we could get in the draw,” Messi told Argentine channel TyC Sports.
“For all that they stand for, for all that they have, I’d rather avoid them. They’d be a very difficult rival.”
FIFA has confirmed the draw for the finals will take place in the Kremlin on Friday, December 1 with the 32 qualifiers split into four pots via the FIFA rankings.
The eight groups will then contain one team from each pot.
-
Business5 days agoNigeria: Whither the fruits of 2026 crude oil windfall?
-
Latest6 days agoMakinde declares 2027 presidential bid under PDP–APM alliance
-
Comments and Issues6 days agoPolitical Parties Primaries: Consensus or Coronation?
-
Business5 days agoTrump-Xi summit sparks fresh questions for Nigeria’s economy, tech sector
-
Comments and Issues6 days agoDoes it matter to Africa if Nigel Farage comes to Number 10?
-
Business3 days agoNigeria’s foreign debt climbs 22% to $51.86bn under Tinubu administration
-
Comments and Issues6 days agoIs France Real or Playing Ping Pong With Africa?
-
Comments and Issues5 days agoThe “Onuku” Called Kenneth Okonkwo