Doha, December 05 (QNA) - Argentina's soccer star Lionel Messi expressed Monday his surprise at Germany's early elimination from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

"It is surprising that they were out again in the first round, but that shows how difficult the World Cup is," Messi said in press statements, adding "it is no longer the name of the national team that matters, but what you see on the pitch."

"Everything is becoming more and more equal," he added.

"I was surprised that they were out," Messi said referring to Germany. "They had many top players, and they are a young team that is always among the best in a World Cup," he continued.

Germany was recently knocked out of this year's World Cup in the group stages after finishing in the third position with four points and one goal difference behind Spain in Group E, topped by Japan with six points. (QNA)