Alan Shearer has backed Lionel Messi to inspire Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar next month. With the tournament commencing this weekend, many are predicting the South American nations to become world champions on December 18.
Brazil were the last team from the region to do so in 2002 when a Ronaldo brace swept Germany aside in Japan. European teams have dominated the competition in recent times but sweltering conditions could swing the balance towards more acclimatised countries.
Despite the World Cup moving to the winter, Qatar is still recording temperatures of 33 degrees. Clips have already emerged of England players using spraying-water machines to cool down during training sessions.
