FanPost

How Messi Missed And Cristiano Ronaldo Bagged A Place In Best FIFA Men's Player Award For 2018

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The top three players for the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year Award were decided in the past week, and a familiar name was missing from the list. The past decade has seen two names dominate top three lists for awards - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Ronaldo was the only one of the two who made it onto FIFA’s 2018 list for the Men’s Player of the Year.

Messi Dethroned by the Egyptian Prince

Called the Egyptian Prince by his fans, Mohamed Salah had one of the best years of his career in 2018. He scored a record number of goals for Liverpool in the Premier League, while getting into double figures in the UEFA Champions League. His side made it all the way to the final, only to lose to Real Madrid.

Salah found his way onto the list alongside Ronaldo, making it the first time he has finished in the top three. His presence is a major reason why Lionel Messi did not make it onto the list for the first time in nearly a decade.

Impact of the World Cup

Another reason why Lionel Messi did not make it onto the top three list is due to the World Cup. While he did score for Argentina in the competition, his side went out in the Round of 16 to France. They were unimpressive and Messi did not have the best of tournaments either.

Luka Modric Shines for Club and Country

The third man who made it onto the list is Luka Modric. The diminutive playmaker shone for Real Madrid and Croatia in the past season. Not only did he help Real win their third UEFA Champions League title in a row, but he also helped Croatia reach the World Cup Final.

Modric was often the best player in the most important games. Even in extra time during his side’s World Cup knockout games, he would be the one sprinting after balls and driving his team forward. Modric may not have the goals or assists of Ronaldo, Salah and Messi, but he had the overall performances to give him a spot in the top three.

Barcelona Success Not Enough for Messi

It is not as if Lionel Messi had a bad 2018. Those who watch barcelona on a regular basis through online streaming services can tell you that Messi was great for the Blaugrana. Not only did he help them win La Liga, but he was by far the top scorer for his team. They also won the Spanish Cup. But those domestic trophies were not deemed enough.

Champions League Disappointment also Cost Messi

So we have the final three for the Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah and Luka Modric. No Lionel Messi, much to the shock of his supporters. Some of the blame can fall on his side’s poor UEFA Champions League showing, where they were knocked out in the quarter finals by Roma.

If Messi wants to get back to the very top of the men’s game, alongside Ronaldo, he must start producing for his side in the Champions League. With the next World Cup four years away, shining in the Champions League is Messi’s best chance of winning another Player of the Year award.

<em>This does not represent the views of Barca Blaugranes or SBNation</em>