FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has revealed which four countries he fears facing with Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Messi has spoken about who he thinks are the favourites for the tournament next year, and named three European giants plus Argentina rivals Brazil.

"I would prefer to avoid Spain because of the way they play," Messi told TyC Sports, as quoted by Sport.

"They would be a tough rival. The favourites are Spain, Brazil, Germany, France... they're the countries in the best form."

The Blaugrana talisman will turn 31 during the tournament next year, which means he will be 35 when the next World Cup in Qatar comes around.

"For now, I am thinking about Russia, which is closer. I hope we can achieve what we want, it's everyone's dream to win (the World Cup)," Messi said when asked whether or not he thinks could still play at the tournament in 2022.

"Afterwards, we will see how things unfold. This time passes quickly and there's not much time left, we have to take advantage to keep growing."

Messi is his country's all-time record scorer, having netted 61 goals in 120 games so far, with five of them coming in his three previous World Cup participations in 2006, 2010 and 2014.

Do you think Argentina are among the favourites for Russia 2018 despite their struggles in qualification? Have your say in the comments section below.

So he doesn't fear Naija after what we did to them?

This guy is mad

Where is Nigeria in that list?

n

This is an indirect way of saying, 'i want spain'.