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#1 Lionel Messi - Argentina
Lionel Messi is the biggest South American superstar that will feature in the World Cup next month. Such is the relevance of the trophy to the Barcelona legend that he recently stated that he would gladly offer a club title in exchange for it.
After he single-handedly secured his nation's participation in the tournament this year, the Argentine will be carrying the responsibility of delivering the prestigious trophy in Russia. He went close in 2014, leading the Albiceleste to the final of the competition before losing to Germany in the extra-time.
The attacker had a good season at club level, bagging an incredible 44 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. He also led Barcelona to complete a fantastic domestic double and he will be hoping to have similar impacts in the World Cup next month.
