Messi left out of FIFA player of the year shortlist

Portugal and Juventus frontman Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool's Egyptian sensation Mohamed Salah and Croatian veteran Luka Modric all made the FIFA shortlist.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his first goal against Nigeria at the Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 26, 2018.
Reuters

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his first goal against Nigeria at the Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 26, 2018.

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has failed to make the world player of the year shortlist for the first time since 2006. 

Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah have made their first appearance in the final three alongside Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reuters

Lionel Messi has won the FIFA World Player of the Year five times – in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.

Messi and Ronaldo have been the only winners of world football's main individual award from FIFA since 2008.

Ronaldo left Madrid after the Champions League final win over Liverpool to join Juventus. 

Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo is vying for his sixth FIFA World Player of the Year award since first winning it in 2008.

Modric made the FIFA Best shortlist after helping Real Madrid to a third straight Champions League title in May. 

The Croatian veteran also led his country to this year's World Cup final.

Reuters

Real Madrid's Luka Modric won the UEFA Men’s Player and Midfielder of the Year awards this year.

Egyptian sensation Salah was injured in the final but was recognised for his Premier League record 32 goals for Liverpool.

Reuters

Mohamed Salah won the hearts and minds of football fans all over the world after displaying his talents in the English Premier League for Liverpool in the 2017/2018 season.

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