Qatar 2022: Messi and Mbappé start World Cup mission with Argentina and France

Paris Saint Germain, teammates Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will begin their individual quest for honors at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday.

Messi and Mbappe top the list of superstars set to light up the World Cup and the pair will be keen to get off to the best possible start as Argentina take on Saudi Arabia and France take on Australia.

While Mbappe hopes to help France become the second country after Brazil to successfully defend their World Cup title, Messi, most likely attending his last World Cup, is desperate for his first Mundial with the Albicelestes.

Argentina v Saudi Arabia

Messi and his Argentine teammates give cause for optimism as they are in fine form for their opener against the Saudis.

Since losing 2-0 to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America, Argentina have embarked on an astonishing 36-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, qualifying for the 2022 World Cup without losing a game and winning each of their last five games. tournaments.

For Hervé Renard's men, even if they don't look like a team capable of stopping the star-studded Argentina side, they will be happy to avoid another 5-0 humiliation as they have suffered in their last World Cup opener against hosts Russia.

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Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Panama and lost 1-0 to Croatia in preparation for the World Cup.

Unlike the Argentina team, which scored scoreless, the Saudis have only managed to score nine goals in their last 10 games.

Let's assume there is something in the Arabian Falcons' favor. In this case, it is their best adaptation for playing in the sweltering conditions that regularly prevail in Qatar.

France vs Australia

Like Argentina, France are also big favorites to win their opening game against Australia.

While the Blues went all the way in Russia four years ago, the Socceroos are aiming to end a run of three successive group stage exits.

Marked by injuries and poor form, France will have to switch to their lethal elements against the Australians.

France and Australia are familiar opponents at the World Cup, having also met in the group stage four years ago.

Antoine Griezmann's penalty and an Aziz Behich own goal helped France to a 2-1 victory on this occasion

The Socceroos have won just one of their five meetings with the Blues, dating back to the 2001 Confederations Cup

Another World Cup game on Tuesday will see Tunisia take on Denmark as the Carthage Eagles hope to give Africa something to cheer about after Senegal's loss to the Netherlands on Monday.

Mexico and Poland will also try for size in Tuesday's other World Cup game.

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