Messi surprises everyone and says this PSG player will be the World Cup winner

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has said defending champions France and Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar as they have a core of players who have played together for a long time. Messi said Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain are always labelled favourites to win, but the 35-year-old forward feels France and Brazil are the best two teams.

"We always say the same great teams ... but, if I have to choose, Brazil and France are the two great candidates to win the World Cup," said Messi. "They've had the same group for a long time, working well. France, aside from the last Euros when they were eliminated…have some impressive players. They have a clear idea and the same coach. Brazil is a bit the same," he mused.

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Messi did not mention Argentina, who are unbeaten in 35 matches, among the favourites even though Lionel Scaloni's side won the Copa America last year by beating Brazil in the final. But Argentina have recently been hampered by injuries to key players including Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria. Scaloni blamed fixture congestion, but urged his players not to hold back.

"We are in quite a difficult stage. The players are playing a lot of games," said Scaloni. "There can be problems as there are injuries [and] suspensions. It's part of being an elite player and a national team player. I worry, but there is little you can do. I believe that the player has to go out on the pitch to play and not think about what's coming, it can be detrimental. Let them play naturally."

Are Argentina favourites? 

Argentina face the United Arab Emirates in November in their final warmup match before heading to the World Cup, where they play their opening Group C game against Saudi Arabia on 22 November. Mexico and Poland are the other teams in the group. Expect fireworks as Messi attempts to prove that Argentina are favourites too.