Sunil Chhetri Highlights Key Moments from FIFA World Cup 2026

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, now part of ZEE 5's FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel, shares his insights on the tournament's standout performances. He highlights memorable moments including Messi's hat-trick and Japan's impressive victory. Chhetri praises the enduring talent of Messi and Ronaldo while also acknowledging the rise of new stars like Mbappe and Haaland. His reflections provide a fascinating look at the current landscape of football as fans eagerly anticipate the tournament's unfolding drama.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 10:02 IST

Chhetri's Insights on World Cup Performances

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 25: Renowned Indian footballer and ZEE 5 FIFA World Cup analyst Sunil Chhetri has recently joined the expert panel for FIFA World Cup 2026, sharing the spotlight with notable figures like Bhaichung Bhutia, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Igor Stimac. He has expressed admiration for the standout performances of the tournament's top attacking players, highlighting Lionel Messi's hat-trick, Japan's impressive 4-0 win, and Morocco's match against Scotland as his favorite moments so far.

During his discussion on ZEE 5, Chhetri noted that the tournament's star players have truly stepped up. He remarked, “None of the big names have let us down. Messi, Ronaldo, Haaland, Mbappe, Harry Kane, Isak, and Gyokeres have all delivered as expected. It’s rare for all the prominent players to shine so early in a major tournament, which has been thrilling for fans of the sport.”

Chhetri particularly commended Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for their enduring excellence and relentless drive to compete at the highest level. He stated, “Consider Messi and Ronaldo, who are nearing 40. Their ability to perform at this level on the global stage is astonishing. Young players should take note of their hunger for the game. Despite having achieved nearly everything in football, they continue to play with immense passion and dedication.”

When asked about his favorite moments from the tournament, Chhetri highlighted Messi's remarkable hat-trick, Japan's dominant victory, and the Morocco-Scotland match he attended live in Boston. He said, “Messi’s hat-trick was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest players in history. Japan’s 4-0 win was significant as it demonstrated the advancement of Asian football. The Morocco versus Scotland match was also a fantastic experience, both for the atmosphere and the quality of play.”

Looking to the future, Chhetri feels privileged to witness the concluding chapters of Messi and Ronaldo's illustrious careers while also observing the emergence of a new generation led by Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. He commented, “There’s no rivalry between the generations. Messi and Ronaldo have established their legacy, while Mbappe, Haaland, and others will forge their own paths. As a spectator, just enjoy their performances. You never know how many more chances you’ll have to see Messi and Ronaldo on such a grand stage.”

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