Lionel Messi nominated for FIFA Best Men’s Player 2017 Award

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has been included in the final shortlist for the FIFA Best Men’s Player 2017 award. The list has been whittled down from 24 players to the three we expected to have: Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar.

Last year was the first year for the award, and it was won by Real Madrid’s Ronaldo. This year, Ronaldo is likely the betting favorite after winning La Liga and the Champions League. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, was La Liga’s top scorer last season despite Barcelona's disappointing year.

Neymar is the third person included, and the only chance he seemingly has is if FIFA values the fact that he was bought for €222 million. Which, knowing FIFA, they may actually value more than play on the field.

Anyways, congrats for the nomination Messi!