Lionel Messi tips 'France, Brazil and England' as three favourites to win the World Cup ahead of his Argentina side despite their incredible 35-game unbeaten run
- Lionel Messi has listed England as one of his favourites to win the World Cup
- The Argentina superstar refused to name his own nation as a challenger
- Alongside the Three Lions, Messi tipped France and Brazil for success in Qatar
- The 2022 World Cup will likely be the legend's last time at the tournament
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
PSG star Lionel Messi has suggested that England are more likely to win the upcoming World Cup than his own nation Argentina.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is preparing to play his role on football's biggest stage for the final time in his career, with the tournament kick-starting at the end of the week.
And when asked on which teams he sees as likely champions, the PSG forward listed a host of nations but refused to include the Copa America 2021 champions.
![In a recent interview, Lionel Messi refused to name Argentina as potential World Cup winners](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/10/64561295-11429639-image-a-34_1668508179551.jpg)
In a recent interview, Lionel Messi refused to name Argentina as potential World Cup winners
![Instead, Messi claimed that England, Brazil and France are the likely candidates to win in Qatar](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/10/64561853-11429639-image-a-2_1668509162348.jpg)
Instead, Messi claimed that England, Brazil and France are the likely candidates to win in Qatar
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.'
His decision to exclude Argentina comes as a surprise given the fact they currently boast a 35-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Lionel Scaloni's side started their run after a 2019 Copa America win against Chile and have gone to have a resounding success on the international scene.
![The Argentina superstar took part in national team training in Abu Dhabi on Monday afternoon](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/10/64560715-11429639-image-a-30_1668507115556.jpg)
The Argentina superstar took part in national team training in Abu Dhabi on Monday afternoon
![The PSG star listed Argentina's close rivals, Brazil, as likely winners of the tournament](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/10/64561167-11429639-image-a-32_1668507942190.jpg)
The PSG star listed Argentina's close rivals, Brazil, as likely winners of the tournament
Just last year, Messi ended his wait for a major international trophy as Argentina beat Brazil - who the No.10 has tipped to win the World Cup - in the Copa America final.
He was one of five outfield players to last the full 90 minutes as Angel Di Maria's first-half strike secured a victory for Scaloni's side.
In a new Netflix documentary, which showcases Argentina's journey to win the Copa America trophy, footage showed Messi giving an extremely passionate team-talk prior to the final.
In the clip, Messi says: 'There is no such thing as coincidence, you know what? This cup was supposed to be played in Argentina.
'God brought it here, brought it here to raise it in the Maracana, to make it more beautiful for all of us. Let's go out confident and calm and we'll take this one home.'
![Argentina won their first Copa America trophy since 1993 after beating Brazil 1-0 in 2021](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/02/16/64118757-11382345-image-a-2_1667404813326.jpg)
Argentina won their first Copa America trophy since 1993 after beating Brazil 1-0 in 2021
Meanwhile, the Three Lions' most recent major final appearance saw them fall to defeat on penalties to Italy during the Euro 2020 clash at Wembley.
And in their last World Cup appearance, they crashed out in dramatic fashion after defeat to Croatia in extra-time of the 2018 semi-final in Russia.
Though, Gareth Southgate's side will be hoping to go one further and lift the prestigious trophy come the end of December.
The Three Lions set off for Qatar this morning as they were greeted by a hoard of fans at St George's Park, who cheered them on as the players made their way onto the team coach.
![The Three Lions will be hoping they can go one further than their semi-final loss in 2018](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/10/64532703-11429639-image-a-33_1668508098471.jpg)
The Three Lions will be hoping they can go one further than their semi-final loss in 2018
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