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#5 Lionel Messi (Forward; Argentina)
When a man who is arguably the greatest footballer to ever grace the pitch with his presence certifies the claim that the upcoming World Cup could possibly his last attempt to clinch major silverware for his national side, fans know for sure that they are in for a treat.
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Leo Messi has clinched every possible trophy there is with Barcelona in European football and has etched his name on top of the football hall of fame, but luck has played a major role in denying La Pulga a major international breakthrough.
Sucumbbing in four finals, three of which were in a row, Messi gave up any chances of lifting an international trophy until Argentina as a whole pleaded him to represent their colours in Russia.
After pulling off a magisterial performance against Ecuador in Argentina's final qualification match, the Messiah drove the White and Blues to Russia when they were on the brink of not even making it to the big stage.
Playing football at a level that has been incredible even by his high standards, Messi has been really firing this season with Barcelona. As Barcelona sit comfortably on top of the Spanish League and are favourites for the Champions League, Messi is already eyeing for the Summer Festival in Russia.
Messi's road to glory starts on June 16 against debutants Iceland in Moscow, a city he dreams to lift the coveted trophy in.
"I visualise being in Moscow on July 15, playing in the final, winning it and raising the trophy." - Leo Messi
Top scorer of the Spanish League, Leo Messi has been instrumental as ever for the Blaugrana and asserts a rightful claim to clinch another Player of the Year award for his heroics.
After ending his curse of not scoring against Chelsea, Argentine fans could rightly expect the Messiah to break his curse of not winning a major trophy for the national team. As Del Potro rightly said, Football needs Lionel Messi to win the World Cup.
