By Mark Staniforth, PA Sport
Last updated March 7
Since a teenage Pele dazzled on his debut almost half a century ago, each subsequent World Cup has made heroes of its most talented stars.
Some, like Pele, Diego Maradona and Paolo Rossi were already destined for greatness and World Cup glory simply served to complete their illustrious careers.
Others, like Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci or England's 1966 hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst, seized their single chances in the spotlight and provided the enduring memories of their respective World Cups.
The stars who will converge on Germany for the latest finals know that if they rise to the challenge a similar place in that pantheon is up for grabs.
We take a look at five of the leading contenders to take Germany 2006 by storm.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney may have only recently emerged from his teenage years but he has long represented England's best hope of eliminating 40 years of World Cup hurt. Rooney's remarkable performances during the 2004 European Championship in Portugal awoke the world to his talents and signalled the emergence of a true world star.
His fearless runs and savage striking ability had world-class defences back-pedalling and four goals helped propel his country into the quarter-finals.
Now for his biggest test.
"There are very few players born with Wayne's natural ability," enthuses England World Cup winner Hurst. "In England you are looking at Paul Gascoigne and before him Bobby Charlton. But almost all World Cup-winning teams have that player with real genius, who can change the course of a game - and that's what Rooney offers England."
But Rooney, who celebrated his ascent by signing a £27million deal with Manchester United, must keep his temperament in check if England are to reap the full rewards of his talent. Displays of petulance have already seen him substituted on England duty, and he was sent off for sarcastically applauding a referee while playing for Manchester United. Rooney's talent is not in question. The question is whether his mind is up to the task.
Lionel Messi
Messi might have guessed what was coming after a series of superb displays clinched Argentina the World Youth Championship in Holland last year.
Just days after his 18th birthday, Messi returned to his country as a hero and inevitably found himself the latest young prospect saddled with the moniker of 'the new Maradona'. In fact Diego Maradona was so exhilarated with Messi's talent that he personally phoned the Barcelona youngster to offer his congratulations.
After being dazzled by Messi's talents during a pre-season friendly, Juventus coach Fabio Capello said: "I have never seen a player of his age with so much ability."
Messi's talismanic qualities in midfield are almost certain to guarantee him a place in Argentina's World Cup squad and provide him with a chance to make an impression on the biggest stage.
His explosive turn of pace and visionary passing ability - not to mention his goalscoring skills - have contributed to his rapid rise into the Barcelona first team.
Teaming up successfully with the world's best player Ronaldinho, Messi made a stunning start to the 2005/6 campaign. Who knows where his season might end.
