FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Players to look out for in Round of 16

As the FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 goes on, fans across the globe are rooting for their favourite players to perform their best. As the journey to the top enters its final swing, sports aficionados are on the edge of their seats to see the legends of football play head to head. As the matches heat up, here are six players to look out for. 

Lionel Messi: Widely regarded as one of the GOATs, Messi proves to be a prolific goal scorer and master playmaker. Argentina suffered a rather surprising loss in their opening match against Saudi Arabia. The team bounced back in the next match against Mexico wherein Messi scored his second goal of the tournament. In the third match against Poland, even after missing a penalty, Messi inspired Argentina towards a 2-0 win subsequently qualifying for the Round of 16. Credit: AFP Photo

Cristiano Ronaldo: The first player to score in five football World Cups, CR7 started his 2022 World Cup fandom while scoring a penalty against Ghana. After winning the European championship in 2016, will Ronaldo be able to make an exceptional addition to his shrined cabinet of trophies as this could be his last World Cup appearance? After having a goal taken away from him, Ronaldo seems eager to prove the haters wrong in upcoming matches. Credit: AFP Photo

Neymar Jr: Outstanding goal scorer and playmaker of Brazil, Junior Neymar will be seen performing and bringing the glory of the FIFA World Cup after 20 years. Having missed two of the group-stage matches due to his recent ankle injury, Brazil is confident that Neymar will be making a comeback for the Round of 16. Credit: Reuters Photo

Kylian Mbappe: France and PSG’s shining star is considered to be the best young talent of this generation. Struggling with their injury-hit squad, France will look up to Mbappe to sail the team across and defend their World Cup title. Having scored three goals in the group stages, Mbappe is lighting up the World Cup with his terrific performance as a forward. France will be facing Poland in the round of 16. Credit: AFP Photo

Phil Foden: Midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the England national team. He is considered one of the best young players in the world. After not being selected in the playing 11 for the first two matches, Foden inspired England in a 3-0 victory over Wales in their last group stage match, supporting them to qualify for the next stage. Credit: Reuters Photo

Cody Gakpo: The rising star of the Netherlands has already taken the World Cup by storm by scoring three goals in three matches against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar. The 23-year-old PSV star will look to continue with his football form in the knockout round against the USA. After not being able to qualify for the 2018 Russia World Cup, Gakpo and the Netherlands will hope to make history by winning the World Cup for the very first time. Credit: AFP Photo