Each week, we shall be looking into one of the greatest footballers in modern football and the impact they can potentially make when the World Cup commences in June.

Any living man or woman, even those who may not be that much into football, will undoubtedly have heard of the great Lionel Messi. For the past 8 years (following an immense Champions League debut season in 2006), the man from Santa Fe has been wowing crowds all over the world. Having won a record 4 Ballon d’Ors by the age of 24, this player is also recognised by some experts and pundits as the greatest footballer ever in history.

Messi was recently sidelined for a while due to injury, a period where his attempt at a fifth straight Ballon d’Or trophy eluded him due to Ronaldo’s scintillating performances. Upon his return, former Barcelona assistant Angel Cappa claimed that the player had ‘lost his hunger for the game’ after a few substandard performances in a defeat to Valencia. Messi has since responded to such claims with style, scoring two goals and providing an assist in the following match, proving that class is permanent.

Quadruple Ballon d’Ors, countless man of the match and top scorer trophies, player of the year awards as well as guiding Barcelona along with Guardiola through their golden era; it truly is a blessing for any fan to be able to enjoy Messi’s style of football whilst in his prime. Leaving fans gasping will be a certainty as he will surely go for that ever elusive World Cup medal.