Lionel Messi is rooming alone for the first time at World Cup in Qatar

Lionel Messi is reportedly roomling on his own for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is taking part in his fifth World Cup and looking to finally win the prize that has evaded him in his glittering career.

Argentina, who are on a 36-game unbeaten streak, are one of the favourites for the showpiece and have been placed in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

Their success will largely depend on the performance of their talisman, but it's emerged that Messi will be rooming alone in what looks set to be his last World Cup.

Since the Argentina youth sides, Messi had always shared a room with best pal Sergio Aguero and the pair were inseparable.

In 2021, however, Aguero was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia after experiencing chest pains and breathing difficulties while playing for Barcelona.

The Manchester City legend had to retire as a result, meaning the last time the duo roomed together was at the Copa America when Argentina went all the way and beat Brazil in the final.

There were rumours as to who Messi would pick as his next roommate with the national team and it's well-known that he has a close bond with Rodrigo de Paul, who is almost his unofficial bodyguard at this point.

But journalist Gaston Edul reports that he is enjoying his own company to "concentrate" on the tournament.

It's said that Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is having to room with a member of the Albiceleste coaching team, with the remaining 24 players split in pairs.

Argentina beat the United Arab Emirates 5-0 on Wednesday night in their final World Cup friendly, with Messi on target and also registering an assist.

Messi also gave fans a fright when he went down with an injury, though it was minor and he played the full game.

The PSG superstar has named England as one of his contenders for the tournament.

"Whenever we talk about candidates, we always talk about the same teams," he told CONMEBOL.

"If I have to put some above others I think Brazil, France and England are a little bit above the rest. But the World Cup is so difficult and so complicated that anything can happen."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Argentina, Football World Cup, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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