#2 Lionel Messi
Once again Lionel Messi is a strong contender for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, having put up impressive performances in the year under review. The Barcelona superstar has been blighted by injury this season but his numbers in the last campaign cannot be ignored.
The Argentine scored more goals than any player in Europe last season, winning the top scorer award in the LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League. Messi netted 36 goals in the Spanish top flight and added 10 more in the Champions League.
These are monstrous numbers for any player and that is why, at 32, Messi is still regarded among the best players in the world. Although he endured disappointment with Argentina in the Copa America, Messi still led Barca to the LaLiga and also scooped the European Golden Shoe.
By all standards, it has been a special year for Messi and no one will begrudge him should he win this year’s Best FIFA Men’s Player award.