MY ACCOUNT
Lionel Messi sees similarities between this Argentina side and the one that agonisingly missed out on World Cup glory in 2014.
Argentina will head to Qatar this month looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 1986.
Former Barcelona star Messi, who now plays for Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, has said it is likely to be his final World Cup.
He has yet to win the biggest prize in international football, though he helped La Albiceleste to the Copa America title in 2021, finishing as joint-top scorer with four goals.
Messi won the Golden Ball in 2014 after inspiring Argentina to the final, only to be left watching Germany celebrate following Mario Gotze’s extra-time winner.
But, speaking ahead of the 2022 competition, Messi appeared to suggest this Argentina squad has the unity to go as far as the 2014 team.
He told Ole: “At the 2014 World Cup, we performed very well. It was an unforgettable experience.
“I enjoyed it a lot and where it became clear to me more than ever that the main and most important thing is to be a strong and united group.
“That ultimately leads you to the important goal. Today I feel a lot of similarities between this group and the one from 2014.”
Argentina are second favourites behind rivals Brazil to win the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni’s men have not lost since their 2-0 Copa America defeat to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America final, a run of 35 games unbeaten.
They begin their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22, before facing Mexico and Poland in their other Group C matches.
