ZEE5 FIFA World Cup 2026 expert Sunil Chhetri reflects on Messi, Ronaldo, Japan’s rise and why football fans should cherish every moment
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, who recently joined the ZEE5 FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel as a pre-show analyst, has shared his thoughts on the tournament’s biggest stars, memorable matches, and the remarkable longevity of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking during the ongoing FIFA World Cup coverage, Chhetri praised the performances of football’s elite forwards while urging fans to simply enjoy watching two of the greatest players in history as they continue to perform on the world’s biggest stage.
📌 Quick Highlights
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Expert | Sunil Chhetri |
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Platform | ZEE5 |
| Languages | Hindi, English, Malayalam, Bangla |
| Fellow Experts | Bhaichung Bhutia, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Igor Štimac |
⚽ Chhetri: Every Superstar Has Delivered
According to Chhetri, one of the biggest positives of the tournament has been the impressive form shown by football’s leading attacking players.
He believes the biggest names—including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyökeres—have all lived up to expectations.
“None of them have disappointed. It’s rare to see every major star deliver so early in a World Cup, and that’s fantastic for football fans.”
For Chhetri, seeing so many world-class forwards performing at their best has made the tournament even more entertaining.
🏆 Messi and Ronaldo Continue to Inspire
Chhetri reserved special praise for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, describing their performances at nearly 40 years of age as extraordinary.
He highlighted that despite winning almost every major trophy in football, both legends continue to display the same hunger, dedication, and commitment that defined the early stages of their careers.
According to Chhetri, young footballers can learn one important lesson from the legendary duo—the relentless desire to improve and compete at the highest level regardless of age or achievements.
⭐ Chhetri’s Favourite Moments of FIFA World Cup 2026
When asked about the tournament’s biggest highlights so far, Chhetri identified three unforgettable moments.
⚽ Lionel Messi’s Hat-trick
Messi’s spectacular hat-trick once again demonstrated why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players and continues to influence matches at the highest level.
🇯🇵 Japan’s Dominant 4-0 Victory
Chhetri praised Japan’s emphatic 4-0 win, calling it another example of the tremendous progress Asian football has made in recent years.
🇲🇦 Morocco vs Scotland
The Indian captain also singled out the Morocco vs Scotland encounter, which he watched live in Boston, describing it as one of the tournament’s finest matches because of its atmosphere, intensity, and quality of football.
🌍 “Just Watch and Enjoy”
Looking ahead, Chhetri believes football supporters are witnessing a unique period where two legendary careers overlap with the rise of a new generation.
Rather than comparing generations, he encouraged fans to appreciate every player for their own journey.
“Messi and Ronaldo have created their own legacy, while Mbappé, Haaland and others will create theirs. 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.”
📺 Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Live on ZEE5
Football fans in India can enjoy FIFA World Cup 2026 matches exclusively on ZEE5, with commentary available in multiple languages.
Available Commentary Languages
- ✅ English
- ✅ Hindi
- ✅ Malayalam
- ✅ Bangla
📊 Sunil Chhetri’s World Cup Picks
| Category | Selection |
|---|---|
| Best Individual Performance | Lionel Messi’s Hat-trick |
| Best Team Display | Japan’s 4-0 Victory |
| Favourite Match | Morocco vs Scotland |
| Biggest Inspiration | Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sunil Chhetri’s favourite performer at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sunil Chhetri praised several players but highlighted Lionel Messi’s hat-trick as one of the tournament’s standout performances.
Which match impressed Sunil Chhetri the most?
He described the Morocco vs Scotland match as one of his favourite games because of its quality and atmosphere.
What did Sunil Chhetri say about Messi and Ronaldo?
Chhetri praised their incredible longevity and said young footballers should learn from their hunger, professionalism, and commitment.
Where can fans watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in India?
The tournament is streaming live exclusively on ZEE5 with commentary in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.
Final Word
As FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to produce unforgettable moments, Sunil Chhetri believes football fans should cherish the opportunity to witness both the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and the emergence of stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. For the Indian football icon, this World Cup is not about comparing generations—it’s about appreciating greatness while it lasts.
