LIONEL MESSI -- Only Neymar perhaps can understand the amount of pressure Messi's under. And yet, the diminutive Argentinean superstar has managed four Man-of-the-Match performances, scored four goals and generally carried a listless team on his strong shoulders into the quarterfinals. A man more comfortable with bottling up emotions than displaying it, an occasional shirtflick celebration or the pushing of a rival has let slip the dark stress he's feeling. With Ronaldo disappearing down the tunnel because his team is unworthy, the World Cup needs the other great star to remain centre stage. (Reuters Photo)