Canada's talismanic leader Sinclair is now a vocal advocate of women's game

Canada's captain Christine Sinclair has always preferred doing her talking on the pitch, and as the most prolific goal-scorer in history, her game says plenty.

But in the battle for equity and the desire to leave a legacy with the days left of her illustrious career diminishing, the self-described "shy" Sinclair has become a fierce and vocal advocate for women's soccer.

"(I hope) I helped leave the sport in a better place than I found it," Sinclair said in Melbourne on Thursday on her legacy. "For so many years within the Canadian national team, our goal is to continue to move our sport forward.

"And along the way, hopefully inspire the next generation of young Canadians, girls, boys doesn't matter."

Mission accomplished for one of the most recognizable Canadian athletes, in any sport. The sheer number of No. 12 Sinclair jerseys - chosen because as a kid she was a fan of Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Roberto Alamar - in the crowd of any Canadian women's game is proof.

Sinclair will kick off a remarkable sixth World Cup when reigning Olympic champions Canada play Nigeria on Friday in Melbourne. A goal will make the Portland Thorns captain, the all-time leader in international goals with 190 in 323 appearances, the first player in history to score in six World Cups.

"It's hard to put words to Christine," said midfielder Sophie Schmidt, who plans to retire after the World Cup. "She's such a pivotal human being and player for this team. She's been the face of Canada Soccer for so many years.

"But it's been incredible to see her development as a captain and leader as well. She was more that quiet, lead-by-example player on the field and she still is. She's respected worldwide for that. She's just a class soccer player.

"She's