Much chaos and controversy has followed Argentina in the build-up to the 2018 World Cup but superstar Lionel Messi still believes his country can go all the way.
While recognising that La Albiceleste are few people's favourites to lift the trophy in Moscow next month, the Barcelona forward feels that the mentality is nonetheless there to succeed.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "We are going with great enthusiasm and much desire," the forward told DeporTV on Saturday, ahead of the team's departure for Russia.
The left-footed forward believes that the team stars can come together and vanquish any challengers.
"We have been preparing very well throughout our training camp. We have great players on an individual level and we will fight as an equal to any team, even if we are not the favourites."
Given the continual changing of Argentina's coach in recent years, Messi accepted that this tournament is being approached in a different manner to his previous World Cup excursions.
“I have taken part in three World Cups in three different situations because of how they were played, and in all of them I took positive things," he continued. "The great favourites will arrive very well in terms of both their team and their individual players. I think it is going to be a very even World Cup."
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