AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes the stars are already in alignment for Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste to wrest that highly-coveted World Cup trophy, the AC Milan forward told reporters in Dubai on Monday.
The 35-year-old Messi – very likely making his final World Cup appearance – is contesting a record-equalling fifth World Cup and will be looking to reach the second final of his career in the competition when Argentina take on Croatia in the last-four stage on Tuesday. As it is, with the likes of Brazil, Portugal, Germany and Spain all knocked out in Qatar, the Argentines look to be in prime position to clinch football’s most prestigious title for the first time since 1986.
Ibrahimovic, still undergoing rehabilitation for his knee while joining his AC Milan team-mates for a winter training camp in Dubai, was full of praise for the other three semi-finalists in Doha but is certain he only sees one team walking away with the trophy.
“I think it’s already written who will win, and you know who I mean. I think Messi will lift the trophy, it’s already written,” Ibrahimovic, who represented Sweden in two World Cups in 2002 and 2006 said.
Argentina and surprise semi-finalists Morocco will be going all out to stop France and Croatia from setting up a rematch of the title decider from Russia 2018, with the Atlas Lions taking on the reigning champions on Wednesday.
Ibrahimovic described France and Croatia as “strong nations” but believes a Messi triumph is definitely on the cards.