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Group D
Lionel Messi - Argentina
Once again, no introduction is needed. Messi is the leading goal-scorer for the Argentinian national team and is also third on their list of all-time caps.
After a disastrous qualifying run that almost saw Argentina not make it to the WC, it was Messi who helped them claw their way into Russia with a hat-trick on the final match.
After losing three consecutive finals (the 2014 WC and two Copa Americas on either side of it), Messi announced his retirement from the National side, only to come back about a month later for the 2018 qualifiers.
Since then, it has become clear that Argentina are clueless without Messi - even more than Portugal without Ronaldo (which is somehow hard to process).
Like Ronaldo, the WC is the only thing left for him to conquer and in the process displace Maradona as the greatest Argentinian footballer of all time.
Some would argue that he is already better than Diego, but for the Argentinians, unless he wins the elusive World Cup, he will never be in contention.
Aron Gunnarsson - Iceland
After captaining Iceland in their first major tournament - the Euro 2016 in which they firmly established themselves as everyone's second favorite team, Gunnarsson will once again captain the Vikings in their first World Cup appearance.
Currently playing his trade at Cardiff city, he was awarded the club's Player of the year award in 2017. After a host of injuries, he might have fallen out of favor there but he is still a monster of a player when playing for the national team. Here's a recent interview by the player to get you pumped up.
Luka Modric - Croatia
The third player from Real Madrid to captain his international side at the WC, Modric is one of the best midfielders at present (and all time too), and will lead dark horses Croatia during their time in Russia.
With over 100 caps for the national side, he is their most experienced player and plays in a more attacking role than he does for Los Blancos. He also has one of the best midfielders alongside him, and will have the task of helping Croatia's golden generation to finally fulfill their potential
John Obi Mikel - Nigeria
After spending 10 seasons at Chelsea, John Obi Mikel finally left the club in the winter window of last season to China, and will lead the Super Eagles in Russia. After bursting on to the scene at the 2005 World Youth Championship, Mikel has over 80 caps for Nigeria and is their most experienced player at the WC.
The defending midfielder has an ever-presence in the national squad, and was a major part of Nigeria's Bronze medal winning performance in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
This time around, he has a considerably harder task ahead of him, in a group that many consider to be the Group of Death.
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