Despite swatting aside Haiti and grabbing himself a hat-trick on Tuesday night, Lionel Messi believes Argentina are not contenders to lift the World Cup in Russia this summer.
But while the man was quick to talk down their chances, he did concede that the South Americans remain a 'very good' team as they eye their first World Cup title since 1986.
Diego Maradona stole the show at that tournament and the pressure is growing on 30-year-old Messi to deliver for the national team on the biggest stage.
'I am very grateful to all the people, we always feel the affection of all, not like other times that we received insults,' Messi, who took his international tally to 64 goals, told reporters.
'We all go to Russia for the same reason, the World Cup is the dream of us, of the country. We are not candidates but we are very good, training and improving day by day.
'We have good players and we are getting stronger to fight as an equal with anyone.'
Jorge Sampaoli's side will wrap up their pre-World Cup preparations against Israel on June 9 before switching attentions to Group D where they face Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria.
-Dailymail