Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has tipped Lionel Messi and Argentina to go all the way and secure their long awaited third World Cup crown this summer in Brazil.

And the former Barcelona manager has also backed the likes of Germany, Italy and Spain to go far in the competition as well.

Brazil remain strong favorites to secure their sixth World Cup on home soil, but Cruyff believes it will be the Messi led Argentina that will be the team to beat at the biggest event of the beautiful game. The 67 year old believes Brazil has too much pressure riding on them as they look to vanquish the ghosts of 1950 and secure the coveted title.

And the Dutchman thinks this pressure could force Brazil to succumb and that is where Argentina could capitalize on their great rivalsa�� fall and secure the title for their own.

Speaking on his column in a Dutch newspaper, Johan Cruyff added that the pressure on the squad is huge; there is too much riding on them. But they will have to look out for Argentina, which has arguably the most talented team in the World Cup by a margin.

He went on to mention that Spain will pose a strong challenge, as well as Italy and Germany who have a habit of growing into the tournament.

Johan Cruyff also rued the several injury absentees from the World Cup with top class players like Marco Reus, Radamel Falcao, Frank Ribery and several others missing due to injuries.

Several others including Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard, Neymar and Arturo Vidal are all struggling with injuries and Cruyff hopes these players get fit in time. He mentioned that this is a month long event and he is not happy that injured players have already been dropped from the squads.