Writer: Moses Iluebbey
The three man shortlist for the best men’s player of the year has been met by mixed reactions from football lovers all over the world mainly for the ‘omission’ of Lionel Messi. Most of the reactions have been criticism as to why the european golden boot winner didn’t make the list and some others defend the decision of FIFA.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohammed salah are the three who make up the shortlist ahead of the argentinian
So where is Messi
2017/18
Cristiano Ronaldo – started the season on a high with a goal against Barca in the spanish super cup, got red carded and was handed a five match ban which destabilised both Ronaldo’s form and that of Real madrid giving Barca a headstart in the race to the title. Ronaldo struggled to hit form but when he did went on a phenomenal three month goal scoring form between january and march which helped real madrid lift a third Ucl title in a row. He finished as the Ucl top scorer and went on to have a good personal worldcup and finished with four goals despite crashing out in the R16
Luka Modric – An integral part of the Ucl title winning Real side with his intricate passing alongside Toni kroos. However Luka didn’t really stand out as a star performer the way Ronaldo did. Luka had a great world cup captaining his side to the silver medal. He was a standout performer for the team alongside Perisic and Rakitic which helped him win the golden ball ahead of the likes of Hazard and Griezmann
Mo Salah – Good individual club campaign, record number of goals in an epl season, epl golden boot. His goals helped liverpool to 4th place in the league and the ucl final which they lost. He got injured in the final and that affected his world cup in which he got two goals and was knocked out in the group stage.
Lionel Messi – La liga top scorer, la liga top assister, Europe top assister , Europe top scorer, He had a not so good ucl campaign but was able to score 6 goals and was eliminated in the quater finals. His goals helped barca to the la liga title and Copa del rey. Messi’s world cup however was not as good despite getting a crucial goal which helped Argentina advance from the group stage. They were knocked out in the round of 16
With these comparisons its safe to ask
Where is Messi?
