Messi to lock horns with Lewandowski in World Cup swansong

PARIS: Lionel Messi knows he has one last shot at winning the World Cup with Argentina, who will arrive in Qatar unbeaten in 35 matches after an impressive qualifying campaign and last year’s Copa America triumph in Brazil. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to grace his fifth and final World Cup, four years on from Argentina’s turbulent campaign in Russia which ended in the last 16. Lionel Scaloni, an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli in 2018, has since taken over the top job and fostered genuine belief Argentina can win a third World Cup that narrowly eluded them after an extra-time defeat by Germany in the final eight years ago.

“We are eager, we are going to fight, we are not afraid of anyone because we are ready to play against anyone,” Messi told Directv Sports last month. “I think the first game is very important because starting with a win gives you peace of mind.” Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by debutants Iceland as Messi missed a penalty in their opening match in Russia, setting the tone for a disastrous tournament. They will be heavily favored to top Group C ahead of Mexico and Poland.

Their first game is against Saudi Arabia — led by two-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Herve Renard — who are determined not to simply make up the numbers. Reaching the knockout phase has not been an issue for Mexico, who stunned then holders Germany in the first round in Russia only to run into Brazil and suffer their seventh successive last-16 exit. Veteran midfielder Andres Guardado is set to join Messi by appearing at a fifth World Cup.