Barcelona midfielder, Pedri, has predicted that Lionel Messi-led Argentina squad has the capability to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The tournament in Qatar is set to kick off on 20 November and Argentina will start their campaign against Saudi Arabia on 22 November.
The La Albiceleste are in Group C and will also face Mexico and Poland on 27 November and 1 December, respectively.
Messi had already led Argentina to the finals of the FIFA World Cup back in 2014, where they lost to Germany following Mario Gotze’s exquisite extra-time goal.
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The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was named the player of the tournament on that occasion and lifted the golden ball award.
Speaking about the favourite country to win the World Cup this year, Pedri did not mention Spain but backed Argentina to win the tournament.
He told ICON Magazine (via Barca Universal): “I see Argentina as one of the favourites to win, especially with Messi, who is still the best in the world, especially as it is his last World Cup and he will do everything he can to win it.”
Style of play
Due to his short stature, Messi has a lower centre of gravity than taller players, which gives him greater agility, allowing him to change direction more quickly and evade opposing tackles; this has led the Spanish media to dub him
La Pulga Atómica (“The Atomic Flea”). Despite being physically unimposing, he possesses significant upper-body strength, which, combined with his low centre of gravity and resulting balance, aids him in withstanding physical challenges from opponents; he has consequently been noted for his lack of
diving in a sport rife with playacting.
His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration while his quick feet enable him to retain control of the ball when
dribbling at speed.
His former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola once stated, “Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it.”
Although he has improved his ability with his weaker foot since his mid-20s, Messi is predominantly a left-footed player; with the outside of his left foot, he usually begins dribbling runs, while he uses the inside of his foot to finish and provide passes and assists.
