WORLD CUP: Messi insists Argentina not title favourites

After scoring a hat-trick in their 4-0 pre-World Cup friendly win over Haiti, Argentina forward, Lionel Messi, reiterates that his country should not be seen as not title favourites as they will “go to Russia with hope.”

The 30-year-old Barcelona star also set-up Sergio Aguero for the fourth goal against Haiti ranked 108th in the world.

Aguero began the game on the bench, with Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria starting alongside Messi in attack.

“We’re not going as favourites but will give it our all,” said Messi after the game.

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Messi’s first-half opener came from the penalty spot after 17 minutes, then he scored twice after the break before creating the goal for Aguero, who has recovered from a knee injury, at Boca Junior’s stadium in Buenos Aires.

“More than the result we were able to say goodbye to our fans,” Messi added.

“We had a complicated time in the qualifiers, but we are training well.

“In a World Cup, logic is almost never given. We have to aim to win the first game, which is the most important because it will give us peace of mind.

“Let no one have doubts that we are going to try everything, as people always ask us.

“We are going with a great squad that is becoming strong at the team and individual level. We are facing a beautiful possibility and we are looking for that.”

Argentina now fly to Barcelona to prepare for World Cup group matches against Iceland on 16 June, Croatia on 21 June and the Super Eagles of Nigeria on 26 June.

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