Lionel Messi says Argentina will not fear any team at the World Cup but he urged fans to stay calm with the tournament in Qatar less than a month away.

Copa America champions Argentina, unbeaten in 35 games since 2019, were drawn with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C as they look to win their first World Cup title since 1986.

“Today we are doing well and people are excited and think that we will come back with the Cup, but it is not like that,” Argentina captain Messi told broadcaster Directv Sports.

“The World Cup is very difficult, many things have to happen (to win it), not only that we are doing well, many things that can leave you out and there are many teams who want the same as us and are doing well.

“We are eager, we are going to fight, we are not afraid of anyone because we are ready to play against anyone, but with peace of mind.”

Argentina began their 2018 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Iceland — a game in which Messi missed a penalty — and finished second in their group before being knocked out by eventual winners France in the last 16.

Messi thinks their opening match against Saudi Arabia on November 22 will be key to the team’s chances.

“I think the first game is very important because starting with a win gives you peace of mind,” he said.

Poland’s Robert Lewandowski said they have been handed a difficult group alongside Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia but believes they can progress.

“The pressure that comes with the expectations of our fans and the nation as a whole is massive. I have to and want to feel motivated to show them what I can do on the football pitch,” Lewandowski told the Fifa website.