Messi makes World Cup prediction: 'Two nations are favourites'

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has revealed who he believes could win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, tipping two countries to take the crown but notably omitting his own national team. 

Little more than a month remains before the global showpiece kicks off in Qatar, with the tournament being held at an unusually later stage in the year due to safety concerns as a result of the scorching temperatures in the Gulf State during the months of June and July.

Read: Messi: Higuain was unfairly targeted by the press

Messi confirmed earlier this month that this edition of the tournament will be his last, telling ESPN : "It's my last World Cup, surely. I'm counting down the days to the World Cup. There is anxiety and nerves at the same time. Wanting it to be now, what will happen, and ultimately, how will it go?"

Qatar 2022 will be the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's fifth World Cup, having made his debut in the competition back in Germany in 2006.

During a recent interview, the Albiceleste skipper made a, perhaps surprising, prediction for the tournament, claiming that his nation's arch-rivals Brazil and reigning world champions France are the favourites.

KICKOFF has moved to a new online stadium, SNL24.com! Register on SNL24.com to get the full functionality of the website, including the ability to comment on stories, save articles for later, access weather and traffic alerts for your area, and subscribe to newsletters!

"The big national teams, Brazil, Germany, France, England, Spain, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some of them," Messi told Argentinian channel DIRECTV when asked who he thinks could go all the way.

"But if I have to keep one or two, today, I believe that Brazil and France are the two big candidates for this World Cup.

"They have had the same group for a long time. France, beyond the last Euro where it went badly, they have impressive players, the same coach for a long time. Brazil too.

"Today, I think they are the two favourites, even if all the big selections are candidates."

Read: Liverpool's Nunez among 6 Ballon d'Or finalists to get 0 votes

Brazil will go into the tournament as the top-ranked team on the planet, per FIFA's latest world ranking, as well as the country with most World Cup titles (five), while Les Bleus will be looking to defend their crown and clinch their third trophy in the history of the tournament after their successes in 1998 and 2018.

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.

Click here to register!

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW TO SEE ARGENTINES REACTING TO NEWS THAT QATAR 2022 IS MESSI'S LAST WORLD CUP: