Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, now a panelist on ZEE 5's FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-show, has lauded the tournament's top attacking players, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, for their exceptional performances. Speaking on ZEE 5, Chhetri named Messi's hat-trick, Japan's 4-0 victory, and Morocco's clash against Scotland as his standout moments so far.
Big-name stars deliver early
Chhetri observed that all the marquee forwards have lived up to expectations. "I think none of them have disappointed. Messi, Ronaldo, Haaland, Mbappe, Harry Kane, Isak, Gyokeres; all the strikers who were talked about before the tournament have delivered. It's not very common for all the big names to come to the party so early in a major tournament, and that's been amazing for football fans," he said according to a release.
Messi and Ronaldo's longevity
Chhetri reserved special praise for Messi and Ronaldo, highlighting their remarkable longevity and hunger. "Think about Messi and Ronaldo, who are almost 40. For them to perform like this on the world stage is unbelievable. If there is one thing young footballers should learn from them, it's their hunger. They have won almost everything in football, but they still play with the same desire and commitment," Chhetri added.
Favorite moments of the tournament
Asked to identify his favorite moments, Chhetri pointed to Messi's hat-trick, Japan's dominant win, and the Morocco-Scotland match he watched live in Boston. "Messi's hat-trick reminded everyone why he remains one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Japan's 4-0 win was another special moment because it showcased how far Asian football has progressed. And Morocco versus Scotland was a fantastic match to witness live, both because of the atmosphere and the quality on display," he said.
Generational shift and advice to fans
Looking ahead, Chhetri believes fans are fortunate to witness both the final chapters of Messi and Ronaldo's careers and the rise of Mbappe and Haaland. "I don't think there is a rivalry between the generations. Messi and Ronaldo have created their own legacy, while Mbappe, Haaland and others will create their own stories. As a neutral, just watch them and enjoy. You never know how many more opportunities you'll get to see Messi and Ronaldo on a stage like this," Chhetri concluded.
