Argentina international Lionel Messi has wished that his nation were more like Germany as they head into the summer World Cup in Russia. Joachim Loew’s side have undergone a tremendous transition from the World Cup triumph in 2014 and Messi is particularly impressed with the simplicity with which the Germans have regrouped.

He told TyC Sports: “I wish we were more like Germany and worked like them. They keep working on a long-term plan and rejuvenate the team at the right time.They’re already preparing for the next World Cup,they have a different way of preparing, letting people work, and judging them on what they do.”
Germany have included plenty of younger players in their squad for the upcoming global tournament and they seem to have already planned for the 2022 World Cup where they could still be under the guidance of Loew. The 58-year-old has witnessed the progress of the national team over the past 12 years and his achievements have seen recently seen him rewarded with a fresh four-year extension.

Meanwhile, during this period, Argentina have not quite to their expectations and they are currently on a streak of their major finals where they have succumbed to defeats. Argentina will no doubt eyeing revenge over the Germans after losing out in the finals of the previous World Cup but both sides are unlikely to meet each other until the semi-final stage of the upcoming tournament.

However, for this to happen, the nations will have to progress to the semi-final stage whilst finishing first in their respective groups. Otherwise, there could be the possibility of a repeat of the 2014 World Cup final, should one of the countries progress from their group in the second spot. Germany begin their World Cup campaign with a game against Mexico whilst Argentina will take on debutants Iceland in their opening fixture.