DIEGO Forlan won hearts in the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa.

Three decades in, it’s safe to say that I have witnessed some of the best FIFA World Cups in modern generations. While there might be some controversy around the upcoming global showpiece next month, the football on the pitch is set to be nothing short of thrilling.

However, I still have to go back and reflect on some of the best players who I’ve managed to watch shine on the biggest football stage in the last five editions.

Here are my five picks:

Lionel Messi – Argentina (2022)