Best XI from FIFPro's 23-man World Team of the Year shortlist

Right-Wing - Lionel Messi (PSG/Argentina)

Messi jointly holds the record for most FIFPro appearances (14)

Lionel Messi is one of the only three non-European players in the final 23 list of FIFA FIFPro World XI. The former Barcelona forward bagged his record 7th Ballon d'Or just a few weeks ago and his inclusion in the final 23 comes as no surprise.

The 2020-21 season has been a topsy-turvy one for Lionel Messi. After playing a crucial part for Argentina in the Copa America this year, Messi helped his country secure a national trophy after 28-long-years.

Lionel Messi finished the tournament with the most number of goals (4) and assists (5). However, after reaching the pinnacle of his international career, he also had to endure one of the lowest points in his club career the same year. Messi had to bid farewell to his lifelong club in shocking fashion.

The news of their most decorated player's departure sent shockwaves among Barcelona fans around the globe. After bidding a teary-eyed goodbye to the Liga club, Messi joined Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain.

He is slowly starting to display his innate brilliance in Ligue 1 and has been PSG's most influential player in the UEFA Champions League. Messi will undoubtedly make it to the 2021 FIFPro XI.

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Striker - Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland)

Lewandowski should be a shoe-in in the 2021 FIFPro XI.

Robert Lewandowski has been at the peak of his career for the past two to three seasons. The Polish striker has been scoring goals and smashing records for fun. Lewandowski's destructive goal scoring has also helped him secure numerous team trophies along the way.

However, luck hasn't favored the 33-year-old when it comes to individual accolades. The 2019-20 season saw Lewandowski secure the treble and single-handedly carry out the goalscoring task for the Bavarians.

He is one of only two players, alongside Johan Cruyff, to achieve the European treble, while being the top goalscorer in all three competitions. Lewandowski is also the first to do it as the sole top scorer. However, even after such a stellar performance, he was denied the Ballon d'Or as the award was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was denied the prestigious trophy this year as well, with voters deeming Lionel Messi to be much more deserving. However, no one can deny Robert Lewandowski securing a place in the final 23 of the FIFA FIFPro World XI.

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Left-Wing - Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United/Portugal)

Ronaldo jointly holds the record for most FIFPro appearances (14)

Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside Lionel Messi, ruled the world of football for nearly a decade. The duo made all individual accolades a two-horse race and shared those between them.

Ronaldo's best days came during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu. After leaving Real Madrid in 2018, the iconic forward couldn't come as close to individual accolades as he once did.

The Portuguese captain continued his exploits wherever he has gone and has undoubtedly established himself as the best player in his team. Ronaldo toppled Messi's headline move to PSG by returning to Manchester United during this year's transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a part of FIFA FIFPro World XI for a record 14 times in a row since 2007. The Manchester United forward is highly likely to take the tally to 15 this term.