Legendary Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta speaks about Lionel Messi, Argentina, and World Cup 2022 in an interview with La Nacion. He focuses on several topics, including Argentina’s World Cup draw, favorites for the World Cup 2022, and how Lionel Messi would play in the tournament.
Gabriel Batistuta was the leading goal scorer for Argentina before Lionel Messi. Nicknamed Batigol, he scored a hat-trick in two separate World Cup tournaments.
About the World Cup Draw and Playing Well
Batigol believes the Albiceleste are in a very good situation. They have a decent draw for the World Cup 2022, Qatar. “Argentina is well; they are very well. They got a good draw,” said Batistuta.
Lionel Messi and co. are drawn in Group C for the FIFA World Cup 2022. They will play against Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland in the Group Stage. Group C teams will play the Round of 16 against Group D (France, Denmark, Australia, and Tunisia).
Moreover, Batigol points to the fact that winning Copa America 2021 by defeating Brazil has helped the team a lot. “Winning the Copa America, it relaxed them, you see them united, the coach is firm, you see them following him.”
Argentina was knocked out of the World Cup in Russia in a mess. Since then, the team has greatly improved to become one of the favorites. They have been playing as a group under Lionel Scaloni for a long time. The Albiceleste are on an incredible 33-match unbeaten run. They beat Brazil in the Copa America 2021 final in Maracana to snap their 28-year trophy drought. Moreover, Lionel Scaloni’s men beat Italy by 3-0 goals in Wembley last June to win the Finalissima 2022 trophy.
When asked if Argentina will win the World Cup, Batistuta was practical with his thoughts. “If they are going to win it? What do I know, I played football, and this is not math.”
About Lionel Messi
Gabriel Batistuta praises Lionel Messi’s strength and spirit to play wonderful football even at this age. Batigol believes it is because he has a dream: to be the best in the World and remain forever.
“We all play because we have a goal and his goal is to be the best in the world, forever. And that’s what moves him.”
Moreover, the former striker clearly points out that Lionel Messi will play well in the upcoming world cup, and it is because he will have a very good team with him.
“Messi is going to play well at this World Cup and not because it could be his last. Because I’m sure he also wanted to win the previous ones, but now he has a good team.”
About World Cup Favorites
According to Gabriel Batistuta, there are many favorites for this year’s World Cup. He is not happy to take anything for granted. Spain, Belgium, England, Germany, France, and Portugal all could shine when it matters the most.
“There are many. In Spain, they say that it can’t escape them this year. And Belgium, and there is England, and Germany is Germany, and we still haven’t named France. And no one is talking about Portugal; wait a bit, and you will see Portugal.”
