London, England – As the clock ticks down and anticipation grows for the kick-off of the World Cup in South Africa, there is a burning question that bothers many soccer fans the world over.

It is not whether the African hosts will be up to the task of holding the sporting showpiece, or if the Vuvuzela will prove the most annoying accessory in the history of football spectating. No, the poser that is pressing on the minds of passionate devotees across the planet is who will be the World Cup's best player?

From armchair aficionados to brand executives who have paid millions of dollars to be associated with big-name footballers, each is keen to know which man will etch his legend into the history books by turning on the magic on the biggest stage of them all. You may have your own ideas on who it will be.

Ahead of the first game, for this writer, there are a handful of leading contenders, and sadly for the hard-working goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders of this world - it is those with an eye for goal that make up the numbers.

Heading the list is Argentina's Lionel Messi - a man who many see as the natural successor to Diego Maradona. After being crowned World Player of the Year by FIFA, the diminutive attacker notched up a staggering 34 goals from 35 appearances to help his side Barcelona retain their league crown. He also top-scored in the European Champions League with eight strikes in 11 games.

But two factors may count against the 22-year-old. He has surely played more games in the last two years than any other international player (Barcelona won six trophies in the previous campaign), so he is due a dip in form. To add to this Maradona, his national coach, has still yet find out how to get the best out of Messi for Argentina.

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