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.
-
Football3 days agoFrance confirms U-20 Women’s World Cup participation amid FIFA-UEFA rift
-
Business3 days agoNigeria’s external debt service falls 31.5% to $954m in Q1 2026
-
Latest3 days agoNFF denies calling for Infantino’s resignation
-
Featured3 days agoOsun Governorship Election: Adeleke faces tough test as APC, ADC mount challenge
-
Business3 days agoNNPC faces fresh scrutiny over oil licensing, production claims, transparency
-
Latest3 days agoMessi reportedly faced multiple bomb threats during 2026 World Cup
-
Business3 days agoNaira at ₦1,360/$: Can the currency’s new stability last?
-
Business1 week agoBreaking: NNPCL reduces pump price of petrol as competition intensifies