Australia World Cupper Jason Cummings hopes to make a difference at Mohun Bagan Super Giant with his wealth of experience, which includes playing against Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in last year’s Fifa World Cup.

The A-League-winning striker was part of the Australian side that lost to eventual champions Argentina 1-2 in the pre-quarter final.

“The fact is, we did well in the World Cup. We qualified from the group and came close before getting beaten by Argentina,” Cummings said at the unveiling of Bagan’s jersey here on Tuesday.

“I loved every second of it. I can tell the guys here how good it (Australia’s World Cup campaign) was. It will put me in good stead in my career. Playing against France and the best players in the World Cup was really memorable.”

Cummings played as a substitute against France in a game Australia lost 1-4.

Also memorable for the Socceroos star was playing against Messi during the pre-quarter final versus Argentina. “Yeah, it was a special moment for me.

“Leo Messi is one of the greatest players in the world. So, just to watch him is a treat for the eyes.

“The whole World Cup experience has made me a better player and as I said, it will help me here. But again, meeting Messi was special for me and it felt really awesome,” Cummings said.

Cummings is expected to be seen in action for Bagan against East Bengal in the Durand Cup on August 12, the season’s first Calcutta Derby. “It really excites me as I’m a big game player. I really want to be a part of it.

“I really want to do well in the Derby.”

Australia, at 27, are way ahead of India (99) in terms of Fifa rankings. However, Cummings believes he would have a good impact back home if he manages to fare consistently for Bagan.

“I came here to a good team and to score goals. If I keep scoring and doing well, I’ll still get a chance in the national team,” he stated.

Written with inputs from Diptayan Hazra, an intern with The Telegraph