Lionel Messi omitted from FIFA’s shortlist of the world’s top three players

Lionel Messi finished last season as La Liga's top goalscorer

Lionel Messi has been left out of FIFA's 'The Best' shortlist, despite winning La Liga and finishing as the league's highest goalscorer in 2017/18. FIFA have nominated Champions League winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, who was also a runner up in the World Cup, alongside Premier League Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah as the top three players in the world for this calendar year. But Messi does not feature on the list, despite dominating stats across the board in La Liga. The Argentine scored the most goals in LaLiga, created the most chances and scored the most direct free kicks. However, the footballing world has become so accustomed to his greatness that a season like Messi's last one has become the norm and not worthy of a nomination.