GEORGE TOWN: The late nights Malaysian World Cup fans tolerate are for more than just the football matches happening on the other side of the planet.
Fans are sacrificing sleep for the chance to watch some of football’s biggest icons, knowing this could be their final appearance on the World Cup stage.
The spotlight will be on three Ballon d’Or winners – Argentina’s Lionel Messi, 39, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Croatia’s Luka Modric, 40 – as the legendary trio lead their nations into the Round of 32.
Portugal meet Croatia at 7am tomorrow in a blockbuster showdown between Ronaldo and Modric, before Messi’s Argentina face Cape Verde at 6am on Saturday.
Civil servant Kevin Vimal said this World Cup carries extra emotional significance as some of the game’s greatest icons prepare to bid farewell to the biggest stage.
“As a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, I wouldn’t miss Portugal’s matches for anything. This could very well be his final World Cup, so every game is one to savour.
“He still sets the standard. Even at 41, while he’s no longer at his peak, it’s inspiring to see him continue to command a place in Portugal’s starting eleven.
“I have watched him grow from a talented young winger into one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. It’s been an amazing journey,” he said.
Kevin believes Portugal has the depth and quality to give their captain the fairy-tale ending.
“I believe Portugal have a genuine chance if they play as a team. They have the perfect blend of experienced players and exciting young talent,” he said.
Football enthusiast Azlan Ahmad, 40, said watching Modric dictate play at the highest level despite his age has been nothing short of inspiring.
“To see a midfielder at 40 still covering every blade of grass and outwitting players half his age is a privilege.
“He has given everything to Croatia, and as a fan, my biggest wish for this tournament is to see him finally lift the World Cup trophy.
“But it’ll be tough this time, as Croatia face Portugal in the last 32. Either Modric or Ronaldo will have to go home after this,” he said.
Croatia captured the hearts of neutrals worldwide with their historic run to the 2018 final and their third-place finish in 2022.
Argentina fan T. Tharmin Kumar, 34, said the knock-out stages would be tough given the strong competition.
“Big teams like four-time champions Germany and the Netherlands have already crashed out, showing how unpredictable this tournament is.
“It won’t be easy for Argentina, even against Cape Verde.
“But I still believe the defending champions can go far if they stay focused and make the most of their chances.
“I hope they can give Messi a fitting farewell by lifting the World Cup. That would be a dream ending to his extraordinary international career,” he said.
