FIFA world cup 2022: Lionel Messi says Argentina is not afraid of any team in Qatar
Lionel Messi exuded confidence that Argentina was fearless and ready to face any team at the FIFA world Cup 2022 in Qatar.
By ET Spotlight Special |
Agencies
Argentina captain Lionel Messi said they were not afraid of any team at the FIFA world Cup 2022, which is scheduled to start next month in Qatar. The soccer GOAT noted in a recent interview that the team was doing well, and he felt that they would return home with the cup.
The Copa America champions will enter the World Cup 2022 unbeaten since 2019.
Argentina has remained undefeated in their last 35 games, which is also the longest active undefeated streak, and one of the longest of all time. They will meet Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland in the Group C of the ultimate football tournament.
Qatar World Cup: Most expensive World cup ever
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The gleaming new stadiums are ready and cost more than $6.5 billion.
The gleaming new stadiums are ready and cost more than $6.5 billion.
FIFA lauded Qatar's preparations and its stadiums designed to highlight Arabic tradition and culture.
FIFA lauded Qatar's preparations and its stadiums designed to highlight Arabic tradition and culture.
Plans also include a driverless metro system with a price tag of $36 billion serving five of the eight venues.
Plans also include a driverless metro system with a price tag of $36 billion serving five of the eight venues.
Thousands of laborers worked relentlessly to finish some hotels, apartment blocks, and roads.
Thousands of laborers worked relentlessly to finish some hotels, apartment blocks, and roads.
Qatar's natural gas riches have given the emirate seemingly bottomless pockets to pay for the football extravaga
Qatar's natural gas riches have given the emirate seemingly bottomless pockets to pay for the football extravaga
Mind-boggling estimates of up to $300 billion have been given for the total infrastructure spending over the past decade.
Mind-boggling estimates of up to $300 billion have been given for the total infrastructure spending over the past decade.
By contrast, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil cost an estimated $11.5 billion, and Russia 2018 about $14 billion.
By contrast, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil cost an estimated $11.5 billion, and Russia 2018 about $14 billion.
The most expensive ticket is for Category 1 seating at the final, which is 5,850 Qatari rials (approximately $1,600).
The most expensive ticket is for Category 1 seating at the final, which is 5,850 Qatari rials (approximately $1,600).
According to Fifa, nearly 2.9 million tickets have been sold for the World Cup so far.
According to Fifa, nearly 2.9 million tickets have been sold for the World Cup so far.
The Argentinian captain said they were eager, fearless, and ready to fight the best with peace of mind.
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Argentina will face Saudi Arabia in the opening match on November 22. The 2022 World Cup will be the last for Lionel Messi, who has participated in four world cups so far - 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. The legendary striker led his team to the finals in 2014, which they lost to Germany. In 2018, Argentina was pushed out in the round of 16 by France, who won the world cup.
While still a significant threat to the opposition, the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner is well past his prime. Messi is currently ranked fifth in the FIFA Rankings 2023.
FAQs
Whom will Argentina face in their opening match? Argentina will face Saudi Arabia in the opening match on November 22.
How many world cups has Messi played in? Messi has played in four world cups - 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.