Messi keen to avoid Spain in 2018 FIFA World Cup draw

BUENOS AIRES, Nov 9 (AFP): Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi says the worst possible draw for his Argentina side at next year's World Cup would be Spain in the first round.

"The worst that could happen to us would be to draw Spain at the group stages," Messi told TyC Sports Wednesday from Moscow where Argentina play Russia in a friendly on Saturday.

"I would prefer to avoid them, they'd be tough opponents."

In the interview with the Argentinian television station, Messi named Brazil, Germany and France alongside Spain as favourites to take the World Cup crown in Russia.

Messi also broached Argentina's last-gasp qualification for the World Cup finals, which the Barcelona star sealed with a hat-trick in a rare 3-1 away victory over Ecuador.

"I always believed we'd get there, but I thought we would have tied up qualification before the Ecuador game," said Messi, reiterating that he would like to end his career in his Argentinian birthplace of Rosario.

"I would love to play for Newell's Old Boys, in the stadium where I've seen so many matches," he said.