#3 Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
Seen as the long-term heir to Messi for Argentina, La Joya (The Jewel) has become the go-to guy for the Bianconeri in recent times and at the beginning of the season, he was expected to lead the charge for the club's third UEFA Champions League trophy.
It has been a disappointing season for the immensely gifted 24-year-old as his contributions to Juve's journey which was ended in dramatic fashion by Real Madrid yesterday have been almost zero.
In 8 Champions League games, he managed to get a single goal (the crucial winner against Tottenham Hotspurs in the 2nd round) and made no assists.
The incisive dribbling, brilliant dead-ball abilities (free-kicks and penalties) as well as the many assists and great goals which have become a common feature of his performances in Serie A this season have been notable by their absence in the Champions League.
It is difficult to recall what his contributions have been and its telling that the team's best performances this season in Europe this season (2nd leg ties against Spurs and Real), he has been nowhere to be found (he did little against Spurs except for the goal and was suspended against Madrid).
He has a long way to go before he can even begin to think of being out on the same level as someone as Messi.