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And who will be the player of the tournament?

No player has won it twice, so to avoid a total Messi love-in I’ll go for an outside shot at Christian Eriksen. It’s great to see him back in a major tournament, and putting sentiment aside, he’s also a bloody good player.

Messi is the most likely winner but at 50-1 or better, Spain’s Pedri looks good value. Unlike most of the tournament favourites, Spain don’t possess household names in attack and Pedri will likely shine should Spain reach the final.

If you think Argentina are going to win the tournament, just back Lionel Messi to win player of the tournament instead at double the price. He’s been in fantastic form for PSG so hopefully he’ll carry it on in the next month or so.

Neymar – If 4-1 Brazil lift the trophy I can’t see him not being on the shortlist.

At double-figure odds Lionel Messi just looks a great bet. You’d have to think he’d be a shoo-in for the award if Argentina won the tournament, although he’d have a fair shout if they made the last four and he scored a few goals.

If, and it’s a big if, we don’t see the ugly side of his game, Neymar may finally show the world what he is truly capable of and carry a formidable Brazil side to a sixth world title.

Again, Messi looks a live runner. It will be his last World Cup and he’ll be determined to lead Argentina to glory. If Uruguay star Federico Valverde brings his club form to Qatar he could run him close.

If Argentina win the World Cup or he is the top scorer, it’s hard to see how Lionel Messi doesn’t claim the Golden Ball, too. That said, if Spain go deep then the 66-1 about their undoubted star Pedri could look very big.

WORLD CUP 2022 TOURNAMENT MARKETS

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2022-11-17T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-17T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://racingpost.pressreader.com/article/282883734711499

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