: FIFA World Cup Group C preview: Messis last shot at glory #IndiaNEWS #Football Doha: In a group where Argentina are the only team in the top 10 in FIFAs last rankings before the FIFA World Cup kicks

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FIFA World Cup Group C preview: Messis last shot at glory #IndiaNEWS #Football
Doha: In a group where Argentina are the only team in the top 10 in FIFAs last rankings before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in November, Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia will also be vying for a ticket to the round of 16.
Here is a breakdown of the four teams in Group C.
ARGENTINA
It has been 36 years since Argentina last won the World Cup. If 35-year-old Lionel Messi wants to recreate the teams golden age after Mario Kempes in 1978 and Diego Maradona in 1986, this might well be his last shot at glory, reports Xinhua.
Although nobody on the team made this years Ballon dOr 30-man list, the Albiceleste are feeling their oats after beating rivals Brazil to win the Copa America last year, and the team is now more creative, balanced and united since head coach Lionel Scaloni took charge in 2019.
But midfielder Giovani Lo Celso injured his right hamstring in last weekends La Liga game and will miss the World Cup. Despite not playing a single minute in Russia four years ago, Lo Celso has become a regular starter and Messis best partner. His ability to control the ball and create chances in multiple positions, especially on the left side, could have released Messi closer to the goal area.
How to fit in a replacement in an already polished and well-shaped squad is something Scaloni will have to work on in the next few days.
Star player: Lionel Messi
Messi will no doubt be one of the headliners in Qatar as he chases the World Cup one last time. Having scooped the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005, an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and the Copa America title in 2021, along with every possible titles at club level, Messis trophy room has everything except the World Cup.
Theres nothing much more to say about how and why Messi is the best player on the planet; perhaps all he needs is a bit of luck and patience.
One to watch: Julian Alvarez
Argentina never lack attacking talents, and Julian Alvarez could be the latest. The Manchester City striker scored twice on his first league start and once on his first start in the Champions League, and has five goals and two assists so far this season.
With his ability on and off the ball, as well as his tireless running and aggressive defense, 22-year-old Alvarez is expected to get consistent minutes off the bench.
MEXICO
Mexico have advanced to the round of 16 in seven consecutive World Cups dating back to U. S. 1994, an achievement that powerhouses like France, Germany and Argentina have never managed.
But Mexico have been struggling to emerge as a top-tier team on the World Cup stage with a lack of world-class stars, as they have not won any of their knockout games in the last seven tournaments. But this time, whether El Tri could survive the group remains in doubt.

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