Lionel Messi can do what Diego Maradona did in 1986: John Abraham

I remember going to the Cape Town Stadium while it was being built and I think it’s a fabulous venue. A few big-ticket names may have been ruled out but the interesting part of the World Cup is that it always brings out new stars. So will this edition of the Cup. Suddenly, the current stars and regulars will seem passe. But, of course, we hope that the present lot also performs well.

My earliest memory of a World Cup star is Paolo Rossi. The Italian was a clinical finisher. He became an overnight star and Amul came up with an ad saying Pav Lo Rossi. That was an indication of how a World Cup produced a great star in our country. Then came Diego Maradona and his exploits in 1986. As a matter of fact, my father used to keep me awake every night to watch the World Cup games. I have been watching WC games religiously since the age of four. Even if I had an exam, dad would wake me up for the game.

I don’t do things topically because I am an actor. I do things because of passion. If I rode a bike in Dhoom, it was because I always rode a bike in real life. And in the same way, I don’t watch the World Cup because I am an actor and I have to speak about it. I have watched it since childhood.

For now, South Africa is the place to be. I have booked my tickets for the July 11 finals. In fact, I was in Berlin when Italy beat France in the 2006 final. However, Italy aren’t looking good and I don’t think they will defend the title. Italy’s general strategy is to score early and then defend. This, I believe, is really unattractive, and will not work against teams which have younger and faster players in their squads. Italy are serious contenders but they will have to be really lucky to win it again.

Picking a favourite is a tricky job. My friends are asking me where they should put their money and I sometimes feel I’ll be ‘responsible’ if they lose their money! I hope Spain shed their ‘chokers’ tag and win this time.

Traditionally, I have been a Brazil fan. In fact, most Indians have always supported either Brazil or Argentina. And I’m looking forward to see Maradona and his histrionics as manager. The man has sworn to run naked through the streets of Buenos Aires if Argentina wins the World Cup! I mean that man has a lot of charisma. That is something we should watch out for — not him running naked — but the fact that he is going to be the star of the World Cup without playing in it.

I believe Spain will come out on top this time. They have a very balanced side. Almost all their players play in the Spanish league and so there is a sense of understanding in their game. England, for the very same reason, are dark horses. A lot of Indians support England thanks to the EPL. We adore players like Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand among others.

Colombian goalkeeper Higuita and skipper Valderama added so much to the beautiful game. I don’t know if we are going to see a Maradona again. But any guy who would give an inkling of Maradona’s genius, then it has to be  Messi. I am saying this because I have seen him play and he is eons and light years above everyone. What he does with the ball is unbelievable. However, the WC moment of my life happens to be Maradona ‘running through’ the English defence in 1986.