10 best forwards of the decade

1. Lionel Messi

Barcelona v Real Madrid - La Liga

Lionel Messi has arguably been the best player of the decade. The little magician has become the face of FC Barcelona. Messi and Ronaldo's rivalry gave the footballing world a new dimension which was never seen before.

The Argentine won 7 La Liga's, 5 Copa Del Reys, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, UEFA Super Cups and FIFA Club World Cups each with FC Barcelona this decade. On an individual level, the 32-year-old now has 6 Ballon d'Ors to his name and 6 Golden Boots.

Messi has evolved over the decade. From being a skinny false nine to becoming the best player in the world, La Pulga has come a long way. The Argentinian can do pretty much everything from scoring mesmerizing goals, setting up teammates, dazzling dribbles, dropping deep to link play up, free-kicks to defence breaking incisive passes and through balls.

The Barcelona number 10 has scored 619 goals for Barcelona in his career and would be hoping to break more milestones before he hangs his boots. The only thing between him and greatness is international success and Messi would be hoping to end that curse in the coming competitions.