The Longshot: Is it now time for a truly Messi ending?

This is the first World Cup Argentina will play in since Diego died. Football means more to South Americans than to the rest of us. John McManus's book Inside Qatar gives a clear account of what a strange place Qatar is. He was offered a swap for a Maradona jersey in Tokyo in 2002. He accepted. The exchange took place at the airport. Argentina went home after the group stages. McMans was flying off to second round. It was surreal. This is first time Argentina has played in a World cup since the death of Diego. They went to a different airport in Japan in 2000.

Argentina have won the Copa America and are unbeaten since 2019. Lionel Scaloni is the new manager of Argentina. He has an easy group with Saudi Arabia, Poland and Mexico. Mexico have gone out in seven second-round games in a row since 1986. Poland haven't emerged from a group since the 1986 World Cup. They were banned from the 1990 World cup for fielding overage players. They have been beaten twice in the second round since they were hosts. Argentina have lost to Mexico in 2006 and 2010. Brazil have beaten Argentina in three of the last four World Cups.

France are the big hitters in Group D. Denmark are a strong team. Australia are struggling. They lost to Peru in an inter-continental qualifier. Aussies are on tour. Their last game is against Ireland. Australia lost all their games by a point. Germany fell at the first hurdle in 2018. At four of the past five World Cups, the holders have gone out in the groups. Spain and Italy also faltered. Argentina and Mexico are favourites to win the group. The Aussie's are kicking themselves for leaving Mack Hansen behind. He is now playing rugby union in Northern Hemisphere. His mother is from Ireland and he moved there when he was seven.

Messi is 11/2 to win the World Cup. He is also 12/1 to be top scorer and 8/10 to become the best player. Inter striker Lautaro Martinez is 25/1000 to take the Golden Boot.