© AP
Legendary German national team player Lothar Matthaus spoke to the publication "Marca" about the favorites of the upcoming World Cup, exceptional footballers, and Argentine Lionel Messi.
"I would name Germans as one of the contenders to triumph in the global championship. But, of course, Argentina, Spain, France should also be included among the favorites. In total, there are 6-7 candidates to win prestigious trophies, among them, undoubtedly, Brazil as well. We are expecting a special World Cup because the players will already be in their peak athletic forms, unlike in the summer," clarified L. Matthaus.
According to the German, Qatar could improve his outstanding achievement.
"I have played in World Championships for 25 matches, and this record has already stood for 24 years. But if L. Messi surpasses it (the forward has played 19 matches), I will be the first one to congratulate him. I really liked how he played at Barcelona, of course, the PSG player looks different, but maybe in Qatar, approaching the end of his career, the player will be able to bring back to Argentina what Diego Maradona had won," the German said.
"What is my opinion on compatriot Toni Kroos? I recently saw him playing in the European Super Cup match in Helsinki. I would say that the Real player is the best midfielder in German football history. Especially if we look at the titles he has won, he is really number one," the German concluded.
