MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 19:22:44| >> :120:4723:4723:

Lionel Messi: 'We want to avoid Spain'

Lionel Messi reveals that Argentina are desperate to avoid Spain in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup.

Lionel Messi has revealed that Argentina are desperate to avoid Spain in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup.

Argentina only just secured qualification for next summer's tournament in Russia after beating Ecuador in their final match, and the South American outfit will not be among the top seeds when the draw is made.

Messi has claimed that Spain would be nightmare group-stage opponents for Argentina, while the Barcelona forward has also picked out Germany, France and Brazil as strong competitors.

"Our worst draw for the World Cup would be to have Spain in the group stages," Messi told TyC Sports. "I would prefer to avoid them as they would be really tough opponents for any side.

"I believe that at this moment, Spain, Germany, France and Brazil are the strongest teams who are in strong positions, those who are playing best, with the best individuals."

Argentina will take on Russia and Nigeria in international friendlies over the next week.

ID:311493: cacheID:311493:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1853:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Lionel Messi during an Argentina training session on March 22, 2016
Read Next:
Lionel Messi angered by Argentina claims
>
Read more about Lionel Messi Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!