2022 World Cup in Qatar - Messi's Last Chance

Lionel Messi expects Brazil, France and England will be Argentina’s main rivals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

champions Argentina are going into the World Cup in fine form as they are unbeaten in 35 matches dating back to the 2019 Copa America semi-finals.

2022 World Cup in Qatar - Messi's Last Chance

This will likely be Messi, 35,'s last chance to win the World Cup.

"Whenever we talk about candidates, we always talk about the same teams," Messi told South American federation CONMEBOL.

"If I have to put some above the others, I think Brazil, France and England are a bit above the others. But the World Cup is so difficult and so complicated that anything can happen."

The closest Messi to winning the 2014 World Cup was when Argentina were beaten by Germany in the final.

Argentina reached the quarter-finals in 2006 and 2010, while the last time they were knocked out in the round of 16 was in 2018. They hope to finish top of the group with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

"We are very excited. We have a really nice group that is very eager, but we are thinking about going little by little," added Messi.

World Cup Preview: Argentina

"We hope to start the World Cup in the best possible way to master everything that comes after. The more you play and the more time you spend on the pitch, the better you get to know yourself."

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni says Messi is enjoying the preparation for the World Cup.

"I see him as always... eager to enjoy the World Cup," Scaloni said.

"He knows how to play with this shirt. He appreciates his teammates, the training sessions, the stay and the whole process."

Argentina's Group C opener will take place on November 22 against Saudi Arabia.