Spain boss Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi missing out on winning the World Cup would be 'unfair'

Spain manager Luis Enrique has said it would be 'unfair' to Lionel Messi if the PSG star does not win a World Cup during his career.

The tournament in Qatar will mark the legendary forward's fifth World Cup finals since he made his debut in the competition back in 2006, and the 35-year-old has confirmed that he will not take part in the 2026 edition.

With the former Barcelona star serving as skipper, Argentina head to the finals in Qatar in fine form, with Lionel Scaloni leading the side to victory in the 2021 Copa America against hosts Brazil last year.

Enrique worked alongside Messi during his time in charge of Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, and remarked that clinching the greatest prize in international football would be a fitting end to his career.

'If Spain doesn't win the World Cup, I would like Argentina to win it because of Messi. It would be unfair for Messi to retire without winning a World Cup.' The 52-year-old said on Twitch.

Despite Argentina's impressive form heading into the tournament, Messi was quick to point out that he does not see his side as the favourites going into Qatar.

'Whenever we talk about candidates, we always talk about the same teams. If I have to put some above others I think Brazil, France and England are a little bit above the rest,' he told CONMEBOL.

'But the World Cup is so difficult and so complicated that anything can happen. We are very excited. We have a very nice group that is very eager, but we think about going little by little.'

Argentina begin their World Cup campaign when they take on Saudi Arabia in their Group C opener on Tuesday.