Lionel Messi claims Argentina are NOT World Cup favourites as he names three teams to beat in Qatar including ENGLAND

LIONEL MESSI has claimed England are bigger favourites to win the World Cup than Argentina.

The Paris Saint-Germain star tasted success with Argentina in the Copa America last year but believes there are three better teams going to Qatar.

Lionel Messi does not believe Argentina are favourites to win the World CupGetty

But Argentina are unbeaten in 35 games with an incredible run that stretches back to 2019.

Despite that, Messi disagrees with people like Spain manager Luis Enrique who claim Argentina are favourites to win the World Cup.

In an interview with CONMEBOL, Messi said: “The candidates are always the same. There are a few surprises but in general, the big teams are the candidates.

“Above the rest? Brazil, France, England. Today, they are a little above the rest but anything can happen.”

If Argentina are to go all the way in Qatar Messi will likely play a vital role on and off the pitch.

He scored four goals and produced five assists in seven games as Argentina won the Copa America last year.

And he also inspired his team-mates with a passionate speech before the final against Brazil, according to Angel Di Maria.

Messi is also finding form for his country at the perfect time with nine goals in his last three matches.

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Argentina will also fancy their chances of winning a group containing Poland, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

Win that and they could face Denmark in the next round, with one supercomputer predicting Argentina to go all the way and beat Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal in the final.