Sir Kenny Dalglish: The World Cup feels different this time but I hope the greats rise to the occasion and it’s one to remember

Lionel Messi gets his hands on the Copa America, and will now look to emulate Diego Maradona by lifting the World Cup for Argentina

The World Cup kicks off today, and I have to admit, it’s not filling me with excitement.

I’m a bit underwhelmed by it all, to be honest.

I look at the opening fixture of Qatar against Ecuador, and it’s not making me want to switch on my telly.

Before previous World Cups, I was really looking forward to it. It was the summer, and the build-up and preparation was substantial.

It’s just not the same this time, with the tournament taking place in November and December, bang in the middle of domestic and European club football.

Still, the players and the managers of all 32 competing nations will be as ready as they can be, so let’s hope we have a memorable tournament.

Obviously, playing at the World Cup was very special for me, and I was fortunate to do so at three Finals – West Germany in 1974, Argentina four years later, then Spain in 1982.

I felt privileged.

Then as a Scotland supporter, I remember thoroughly enjoying France 98 because of the football on show – and the fact we were in it.

Even when our own national team hasn’t been involved, I have still got a lot out of watching the tournaments.

Going back to my younger days, there was Pele displaying such wonderful skills in that Brazil team of 1970.

He was an incredible talent.

Pele celebrates scoring in the 1970 Final against Italy

We then had Diego Maradona light up the 1986 World Cup in Mexico with his individual brilliance.

Two of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

I will be hoping that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can really be on their game in Qatar.

If this is to be the last time we see them at the World Finals, I hope both make the most of it and leave us with the happiest of memories.

Both of them have had unbelievable careers, and to have witnessed them both in their pomp has been an absolute pleasure.

With that in mind, many want Argentina to win the tournament as they feel Messi – who has never been a World Cup winner – deserves that honour.

I wouldn’t argue with that. But the South Americans will need to produce something special to emerge victorious in the coming weeks.

The romantics want to see Brazil meet Argentina in the Final on December 18 and, with the talent both countries possess, I understand that way of thinking.

The way the draw has fallen, a lot of twists and turns are required for that to happen.

Right now, I’d go for one of those two countries to emerge as the winners in Qatar. But it could be that a surprise nation emerges, and we are talking about a new hero in the world of football in the coming weeks.

As the holders, France will be among the contenders, and I’ve always been impressed with Kylian Mbappe. His pace is electric, and the PSG man also has strength and ability to go with it.

We are all aware of his undoubted talent, but he has been living in the shadow of Messi and Ronaldo.

Maybe he could outshine both of them at this tournament?

Or someone we are not too familiar with might burst on to the scene and take the World Cup by storm. That has happened before, and it is a real possibility again.

When the group stage is complete, and we get to the knock-out phase, I expect things will get more exciting. At that point, I’m sure my appetite for this year’s World Cup will improve.

It is, of course, unfortunate that Scotland didn’t qualify. I really thought we had an excellent chance under Steve Clarke.

But we will fight back and try to be there in 2026.

England and Wales are both represented, and they will have some quality players on show.

They face each other in Group B, and I wonder if they will both get out of it and into the last 16.

Iran and the USA will have their say, and maybe there could be a shock result along the way.

With the tournament being in the middle of the domestic campaign, it’s important everyone returns ready to go for the resumption of the league calendar.

So I hope no player gets seriously injured, and has to miss a huge chunk of the second-half of the campaign.

Overall, after all that has been said about the Finals being played in Qatar, my dream is that we have a memorable tournament – and football is the winner.