Argentinian football icon Javier Saviola made a special appearance at Beijing's Workers' Stadium recently, bringing the excitement of the upcoming 48-team World Cup to Chinese fans.  

In an exclusive interview with Sports Scene's Mike Fox, the former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker, who represented his country at the 2006 World Cup, shared his perspective on the immense pressure and pride that comes with football's greatest stage.

Reflecting on his own career, the 44-year-old emphasized that competing in a World Cup remains the ultimate milestone for any player.

"Playing in a World Cup is always the most important thing that can happen to a player," Saviola said. "It was a dream I always had as a footballer. I treasure the memories of the 2006 World Cup very much because it really was something impressive in my career."

With Argentina currently holding the title of defending champions, Saviola expressed his hope for continued success: "I am happy that Argentina is also at the highest level again...Hopefully, in the next World Cup, Argentina will also do well."

As a player who burst onto the scene at a young age himself, Saviola is particularly excited about the next generation of talent, specifically Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. He compared the responsibility facing young stars today to the early days of Lionel Messi.

"This will be a World Cup where there will be young rising stars...like Lamine Yamal," Saviola noted. "They will carry the responsibility, just as Messi did for Argentina at his time, of beginning their careers at a very young age and taking on the responsibility of leading their country to the top."

He believes Yamal has the qualities to become "one of the best players in the world in the coming years."

When asked for a prediction on who might lift the trophy in the 48-team tournament hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Saviola stood by his roots while acknowledging the depth of global competition.

Saviola said: "I think there are candidates like France, Spain, Morocco, and the Netherlands — very strong, very tough teams. But us Argentinians are full of hope and belief that Argentina can win the World Cup again."

When jokingly asked if England had any chance, Saviola laughed, adding, "England as well. England is always a contender."