World Cup Stars: 20 Electrifying Players You Need to Know

After months of anticipation, the 2014 World Cup finally kicks off this Thursday when host Brazil takes on Croatia. That will be followed by 63 additional matches, culminating with the World Cup final on July 13 at the legendary Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro

We've already previewed all eight World Cup groups, as well as the tournament's most dramatic storylines and most epic names. Now it's time for a look at 20 of the World Cup's most exciting players

These are the names you need to know to this summer

1. Lionel Messi, Argentina

Cristiano Ronaldo may be in the best current form, but most fans and pundits will still tell you Messi is the world's top player. Messi is not the biggest or most powerful guy, but he has savant-like skills and is a goal-scoring machine for FC Barcelona. His play for Argentina has never matched his quality at Barca, however, and leading La Albiceleste to its third World Cup title would put him in the conversation with Pele for greatest soccer player of all time Read more...