However, he points out that the ability of Argentina and Portugal to reach the semi-finals of the showpiece is likely to be a deciding factor.
Messi will be a key player for Argentina in Group F which also includes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria, while Ronaldo is also expected to perform a pivotal role for Portugal – who are placed together with Germany, Ghana and USA in Group G.
Ronaldo, who plays for Real Madrid in Spain, topped the La Liga scoring charts with 31 goals in the just-ended campaign, and the Ballon d'Or holder will be eager to prove that he can be just as prolific on the biggest stage.
“I think the top scorer will be a race between Messi and Ronaldo,” Masinga, who says he will watch all 64 matches of the tournament, tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“Luis Suarez (Liverpool striker who plays for Uruguay) is also one to watch out for. However, much will depend on if the teams that these strikers play for manage to go beyond the early stages of the competition,” Masinga adds.
Suarez finished as the highest scorer in the English League during 2013/14 with 31 goals.
With Bafana not represented at the competition, Masinga says he will be rooting for Ivory Coast and Ghana.
“Once again, Ivory Coast have a chance to prove that they are capable of shining on the world stage and I think they will have a point to prove.
“They have very good players but for some of them this will be the last time they will be competing in the World Cup because of age. This will motivate them.
“Ghana almost reached the semi-finals in the last tournament. They were unlucky but they have another chance to do the continent proud,” Masinga adds, pointing out that Nigeria could also spring a surprise in the tournament.
