Meet the World Cups heroes and villains

Soccer’s biggest tournament kicks off Thursday.On the pitch will be players the world loves and players the world loves to hate.

Read on to see who we’ll be cheering and jeering for.HEROESLionel Messi (Argentina)Messi didn’t just lead his team to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He ended the GOAT debate once and for all and left rival Cristian Ronaldo in the dust.“His legacy as the greatest player of all time was probably secure before that final — but after it, any debate was put to bed,” soccer expert Paul Tenorio told The Post.Messi will turn 39 during this year’s World Cup, and it’s expected to be his last dance.

Fittingly, it’ll come in the country he’s called home since joining Inter Miami in 2023.Winning the Greatest Show on Earth another time would be the perfect Hollywood ending.Christian Pulisic (USA)He’s not officially the captain of the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) — that title belongs to Tyler Adams — but the 27-year-old has long been known as “Captain America” for his superhuman heroics on the pitch.Even USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino has called him “the most important player” in the squad.

The Pennsylvania native has starred for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, winning the Champions League with Chelsea before joining Italian powerhouse AC Milan.For the USMNT, though, Pulisic is everything — creator, leader and superstar talisman.America’s hopes of a deep run will rest heavily on his shoulders.Kylian Mbappé (France) Hailing from north-east Paris, Mbappé has got it all — superstar confidence bordering on arrogance, dazzling speed and spectacular technique.

It already feels like he’s the event’s leading man.He’s exciting and decisive on the pitch, delivering huge moments.At the age of 27, Mbappe has already played in two World Cup Finals, winning one in 2018 and losing another four years ago despite scoring a hat-trick in the Final against Argentina.

He needs just five more goals to become the ...