Lionel Messi is hopeful Argentina can avoid Spain in the group stages of next month’s draw for the World Cup in Russia.
Julen Lopetegui’s side will not be seeded among the top seeds, meaning they could face a group stage which includes Argentina, Brazil, Germany or France.
“Our worst draw for the World Cup would be to have in the group stages," Messi told TyC Sports.
“I would prefer to avoid them as they would be really tough opponents for any side.
“I believe that at this moment, Spain, Germany, France and Brazil are the strongest teams who are in strong positions, those who are playing best, with the best individuals.
“I always believed we would qualify, but I thought we would have tied up qualification before the match against Ecuador.”
