“We have not had many games against European teams” – Lionel Messi issues warning to Argentina teammates amid hype of being 2022 World Cup favorites

Lionel Messi wants his Argentina teammates to not think about the FIFA World Cup favorites tag. He claims that every team will be tough to beat in Qatar, and their lack of matches against European sides could be an issue.

The PSG star has already arrived in Qatar with the Argentina squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup that kicks off on Sunday. La Albiceleste play a friendly on Wednesday against the United Arab Emirates in preparation and Messi is expected to play in the match.

When asked if Argentina are one of the favorites for this year's World Cup by Universo Valdano [via ESPN], Messi claimed that is not something the players should think about right now. He said:

"All national teams are tough to play against these days. Every team [at the World Cup] will be difficult to beat. We have not had many games against European teams [in our unbeaten run], although they don't like playing against us either -- playing against South American teams is tough as well."

Although he is confident of doing well, he stressed the favorites hype should not get to the players. He added:

"We are in good form going into the finals, but we can't fall into trap of believing the hype that we are favorites and will win it. We have to be realistic and go step by step."

The Argentine side are on a 36-game unbeaten run and one of the favorites to win the tournament. The last time they faced a European side was in the 2022 Finalissima against Italy, which they won 3-0.

Is this Lionel Messi's last FIFA World Cup?

Lionel Messi has hinted that this could be his last World Cup.

Lionel Messi star was talking to TYC Sports in the summer when he said:

"I don't know what I will do after the World Cup. I am thinking about what is coming. After Qatar I will have to reassess many things. It has been a while that I am happy here, since before winning the Copa. I am thankful for all this they make me feel every time I come to Argentina."

However, he has not confirmed if retirement after the World Cup is his plan and stated that his decision would be based on how the tournament goes for Argentina. He said:

"I don't know, the truth is I don't know. Let's hope these go the best way possible. But for sure after the World Cup many things will change."

Lionel Messi's club future is also in the balance as he heads into the final months of his PSG contract, but the club have the option to extend it by a year.