THERE ARE STARS, AND THEN THEM
Like every edition, this World Cup too will throw up a few stars. But there are some we know are designed to thrill. Hindustan Times takes a look at five superstars, the finest of their creed who are likeliest to steal the show in Russia
LIONEL MESSI
Closest to Diego Maradona in terms of playmaking and scoring acumen, Messi has won it all at club level but the World Cup. Defeats in the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Copa America final forced him to call it quits but he came back eventually. This may be a team game but trust Argentina to again depend on their favourite one-man army.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
Like Messi, Ronaldo wasn’t able to replicate club-level glory at international level till Portugal became European champions in 2016. The World Cup would literally be the last feather in the cap of the five-time Ballon D’Or winner who is fresh off winning his fifth Champions League title.
HARRY KANE
To lead England in a World Cup is a massive job but Kane has taken huge strides over the past few years and was easily the best choice. The Tottenham striker has seen his stock rise considerably thanks to consistent goal-scoring and a developed overall game. England’s Euro 2016 campaign was forgettable but they have a young squad for the first time in years. With someone as prolific as Kane leading the line, teams would do well not to take Gareth Southgate’s men lightly.
NEYMAR
Right now, the most expensive player in the world is working hard to regain his fitness after an ankle surgery. , Neymar will be keen to make up for the disappointment of 2014 when Brazil tanked in the semi-finals where Germany whipped them 7-1. In fine form for Paris Saint-Germain this season, Neymar will be keen to replicate that form at this World Cup.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Griezmann took his game to another level after joining Atletico Madrid in 2014. Thereafter, he never scored less than 25 goals in a season. That form helped him become a regular starter for France. This summer, he will be the focal point of an extremely talented and robust French side looking to claim their second World Cup title.