Messi names the nations he expects to challenge for the World Cup

In just a couple of days time the wait will be over and football’s most prestigious football tournament the World Cup will kick off in Russia.

Naturally before major tournament fans, pundits and even players hotly debate which teams they think will be successful.

Of course, one of the best things about the beautiful game is that we just never know what is going to happen, but sometimes asking the opinion of those with experience at the elite level is a good place to start, and who better to ask then the World’s greatest player Lionel Messi.

The Argentina captain is aiming to win his first ever international honour with his Country, and wants to make up for the heartbreak of losing the 2014 final to Germany in Brazil.

Messi believes it will be a tightly contested tournament, and he had picked out many of the usual suspects to challenge for the title of World Champions.

He has also named Belgium, who are in England’s group, and are a side jam packed with some of the finest players in the Premier League to be amongst the contenders.

“There are various teams going in to the tournament with confidence, playing well and with good individuals, as is the case with Brazil, Germany, Spain, France and Belgium, although the latter is not mentioned as much.” Messi told Sport.

“[Argentina] have good players and the experience of the last World Cup. It will be an even competition.”

“I have won a lot with my club and the following year the motivation is always the same, the idea always to win again.

“With the World Cup, it would be the same. I will not change anything.”