The last episode
Every football fans make this very common statement about the three superstars of world football- Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. The center of discussion not only during the World Cup football, but throughout the year. But none of them were supposed to play the World Cup like that.
The biggest uncertainty was about Neymar. He got a chance in the Brazil team at the very last minute. After that, Portugal announced the team, and Ronaldo got a place there as expected. And it was somewhat predictable; Argentina would not announce a team without Lionel Messi.
Coincidentally, the three superstar teams are in the running for the title. Three of them are playing their last World Cup.
Messi on a mission to retain the title
The Argentina national team has always been special to Lionel Messi. After undergoing treatment in Spain for a hormone problem, he had the opportunity to play for the country’s national team. But he turned down the offer at a young age. Since then, he has been showing his best, starting from the age group and then the national team. Although he had the opportunity to play in the English league at the end of his career, he played in the Major Soccer League to reduce the pressure. Although he had the opportunity to lift the trophy for the first time in the World Cup while playing for the French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
After Qatar, Messi is going to play the last World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He is having a great time at Inter Miami now. Messi has won every possible title in his career. So, to maximise his career, he wants to win this World Cup.
After his World Cup win in 2022, even critics said that football has reached perfection. The little magician is still running at the same pace in his career. Even at this age, there is no sign of fatigue on his legs. The hunger for success is the same as before. So, an old question often pops up in the minds of many, is Messi a man of this world or a citizen of an alien planet?
Argentines are dreaming of kissing their dream trophy again around him in the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo on the final stage
Among the three superstars, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most mature in terms of age. Even after passing 41, his hunger for goals has not diminished. He is very close to the record of a thousand goals. CR Seven is waiting to step into the World Cup stage for the sixth time in a row.
Despite winning the Euro title, he could not win the World Cup. Now, the fans have already started dreaming about the Portugal team. They want to fulfill their dream of leaving Ronaldo in the team announcement at the very end. Age is just a number for him now. Even though he is getting older, there was never any doubt about his being in the World Cup team.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has repeatedly said, ‘I can’t imagine a World Cup team without Ronaldo, who will be playing for a record sixth time.’
So there is no alternative to winning the World Cup to have a good Portugal team for the future. Although there is no shortage of stars and proven players in the squad, the Portuguese still need Ronaldo to return to his form to win on the world stage as usual. There is a big flaw in Ronaldo’s career as well. He has yet to experience the unfulfilled dream of winning the World Cup.
Brazil want to win the Hexa without relying on Neymar
After much drama, Neymar Jr. has made it to Brazil’s World Cup squad. Although he has been inconsistent in the national team, he has not been relied on. Nevertheless, Carlo Ancelotti’s team has embarked on a mission to win the Hexa. Neymar has made it to the Brazil team not because of popularity or emotion, but because of his improved performance.
Brazil has announced the final squad for the World Cup with Neymar Jr,ending all speculation. The experienced Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti said, Neymar was included in the team not for popularity or passion, but because of his fitness improvement.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Neymar, has been out of the national team since suffering a serious knee injury against Uruguay in October 2023. Neymar, who has been in the news for his off-field issues, has scored 79 goals in 128 matches.
In order to regain his composure, he joined the Saudi Arabian league to take on a new challenge. After an injury-plagued season with Al- Hilal there, the Brazilian superstar returned to his boyhood club Santos in January. He essentially earned Ancelotti’s green light by proving himself anew in a familiar arena.
The Seleção will begin their mission to win Mission Hexa, or their sixth title, with a match against Morocco on June 13. Brazil’s other two opponents in Group C are Haiti and Scotland. Now, the big question is how Neymar will do.
