The FIFA World Cup is underway, but before Argentina and Portugal take the field, much of the attention continues to centre on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. More than two decades after emerging on the global stage, the two icons remain the biggest talking points in world football.
Messi enters the tournament in a very different position from four years ago. By leading Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar, he secured the one major honour that had long eluded him. The pressure is no longer the same, but the passion and drive remain undiminished. Whenever Messi pulls on the Argentina shirt, the atmosphere feels unique, with thousands of fans turning stadiums into a sea of blue and white.
For Ronaldo, however, the story is different. The World Cup remains the one major trophy missing from his glittering career.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who will be part of the FIFA World Cup broadcast team for Zee5 and Unite8, spoke exclusively to Hindustan Times Digital about the tournament, sharing his views on the contrasting situations of Messi and Ronaldo as they prepare for another shot at football's biggest prize.
Argentina head into the World Cup as defending champions, but several key players, including Lionel Messi, are now playing outside Europe's top leagues. Do you think this squad still has what it takes to retain the title?
Definitely. I think they still have almost the entire core of the team from the last World Cup that they won. Apart from Di Maria, who has retired, most of the players are still there and have improved, performing even better. Alvarez, especially, has been fantastic for Atletico Madrid. The great thing is that the World Cup is being played in North America, and the weather and conditions should be very friendly for the South American teams.
Portugal arguably has one of the strongest midfields in world football. Does this feel like their best opportunity yet to finally win a World Cup?
I think if you look at Portugal right now, this is probably their best team. They also won the Nations League, and they look like a very, very strong side. As you mentioned, their midfield is one of the best in the world. Bruno Fernandes has had a fantastic Premier League season, and they have some outstanding players in that area of the pitch.
On paper, France appear to have quality and depth in every area of the pitch. Do you see them as the favourites? Which teams do you think could pose the biggest threat to them?
If you look at France on paper, they probably have the strongest squad and some of the best players in the tournament. But as I've said before, I'm not a big fan of Didier Deschamps' approach. The kind of football France play doesn't always match the quality of players they have.
Who are your picks for the Golden Boot this time?
Quite a few players come to mind, but Harry Kane would be at the top of my list. He's proven himself everywhere and has had another excellent season with Bayern Munich. He's England's first-choice penalty taker and is also dangerous from free-kicks, which gives him a big advantage in the race for the Golden Boot.
