The 2022 Qatar World Cup is almost upon us and there are several top players fans are really keen to see in action on the biggest football stage. The international spectacle that will feature the best football players in the world gets underway on November 20 when Ecuador take on the host nation Qatar. Here is a look at the top five players to watch as they grace the pitch for their countries this winter.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
World Cup appearances: 4
At 35 years of age, this will almost certainly be Lionel Messi’s last shot at getting his hands on a World Cup trophy. The Argentinian magician has played a key part in helping Paris Saint-Germain stay at the top of the Ligue 1 table, scoring seven goals and racking up 10 assists in 12 league matches, while he has also netted four times and picked up four assists from five UEFA Champions League matches. While many of the top players have struggled to take their club form to the international stage, Messi has shone in Albiceleste colours. He was the top scorer and top assist provider at the Copa America in 2021, with a direct hand in all of Argentina’s goals. Messi has done it all in football – except win a World Cup. That could all change this year.
Messi Goals For PSG 22/23 so far
— La Pulga (@YNeverde) November 13, 2022
This Man is Unreal 🤯 (1)#Messi #WorldcupQatar2022 #Argentina pic.twitter.com/tKxEWoVWkN
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
World Cup appearances: 4
Portugal are not among the favourites to win the World Cup, but their fans will have all their hopes pinned on Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver. Like his great rival Messi, this will surely be the last time we see the icon at the competition, given he is already 37 years old. But despite his age, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner still has a lot to give and he’ll look to harness the last of his brilliance to inspire Portugal to their first-ever world title and make his final World Cup a memorable one. Ronaldo has received heavy criticism from fans and pundits this term with claims that the Manchester United star is finished at the top level. However, write Cristiano off at your peril.
2022 World Cup qualifying top scorer❓
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) December 7, 2020
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 102 goals for Portugal, including THIS chip against Group A opponents Luxembourg 🔥#MondayMotivation | @selecaoportugal https://t.co/FkMrlwpmZ5 pic.twitter.com/oPD22LkmnF
3. Neymar (Brazil)
World Cup appearances: 2
Brazil will enter the tournament with a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Casemiro, Raphinha, Antony, Vinicius and Thiago Silva, but there’s no doubt that Neymar will be their main man. The Samba star has been outstanding for Paris Saint-Germain this season, netting 11 goals and registering nine assists in 13 league matches, while he also has two goals and two assists in this season’s UEFA Champions League. Neymar’s form will be crucial to whether Brazil can live up to their favourites tag in what will be his third appearance at the global showpiece. At 30, the Brazilian understands that time is running out to win a World Cup for his country and he’ll be desperate to lead the Selecao to their first world title since 2002.
Neymar Jr - 22/23 season so far.
— Jassim (@PSGJassim) November 14, 2022
Mission : World Cup 🇶🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/o4sjVgXks0
4. Karim Benzema (France)
World Cup appearances: 2
Arguably the best player in the world right now and current Ballon d’Or holder, Karim Benzema will be France’s main man at Qatar 2022. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner was in as good a run of form as he had been throughout his storied career, until a quad injury in early September set him back. His career-high 27 goals in La Liga last season led Real Madrid to another league title, and his performance in the Champions League (competition-best 15 goals) proved crucial in his side’s drama-filled title run. Benzema’s world-class finishing ability and movement will only continue to bolster one of the world’s most devastating attacks. He led France with four goals at Euro 2020.
🤩The reigning #BallonDor winner & #RealMadrid striker Karim @Benzema has confirmed that he will be fine to represent #France at the #WorldCup despite an injury-hit season.🔥🔥
— Metaland-WinGoal (@WinGoalNFT) November 15, 2022
👇Check the highlights of #Benzema video created by #WinGoal creative ambassador @abiah_iberedem!🥳 pic.twitter.com/qdfcS9Imbl
5. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
World Cup appearances: 2
Kevin De Bruyne will be charged with the task of finally helping Belgium lose their ‘nearly men’ tag in Qatar, with a star-studded line-up having consistently underperformed in previous tournaments. However, the Manchester City star will be determined to prove himself as the No.1 midfielder in world football. Now 31 years old and going to his third World Cup, De Bruyne is one of the great players whose careers lack true international acclaim. Now the Qatar showpiece looks like his last good chance of helping Belgium win a major tournament for the first time.
Kevin De Bruyne you have rocked my world pic.twitter.com/EhZ4M1w1X4
— ¹⁰ (@SxrgioSZN) November 9, 2022
