In a sweeping list of World Cup icons, the BBC spotlights figures from Sir Geoff Hurst to Lionel Messi, noting how each shaped the tournament’s history. Hurst’s 1966 hat‑trick, Cafu’s three final appearances, and Messi’s 2022 triumph illustrate the blend of individual brilliance and team success.

The article underscores why certain names dominate the conversation, citing Hurst’s 1966 Wembley goal as a turning point for England, Cafu’s 1994‑2002 journey from substitute to captain, and Messi’s 2022 five‑tournament odyssey that finally crowned him world champion.

By tracing each legend’s pivotal moments—Rossi’s 1982 hat‑trick, Zidane’s 1998 double‑header, Mbappe’s 2018 teenage heroics—the piece explains how these performances cemented their legacies and altered national expectations for future World Cups.