Spain coach Luis Enrique admits he'd like to see Argentina win the 2022 World Cup for Lionel Messi.

Enrique worked alongside PSG star Messi during his time in charge of Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, and remarked that clinching the greatest prize in international football would be a fitting end to his career.

"If Spain doesn't win the World Cup, I would like Argentina to win it because of Messi. It would be unfair for Messi to retire without winning a World Cup," The 52-year-old said on Twitch.

Despite Argentina's impressive form heading into the tournament, Messi was quick to point out that he does not see his side as the favourites going into Qatar.

"Whenever we talk about candidates, we always talk about the same teams. If I have to put some above others I think Brazil, France and England are a little bit above the rest," he told CONMEBOL.

"But the World Cup is so difficult and so complicated that anything can happen. We are very excited. We have a very nice group that is very eager, but we think about going little by little."

Argentina begin their World Cup campaign when they take on Saudi Arabia in their Group C opener on Tuesday.