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#3 Johan Cruyff
Former Barcelona and Ajax superstar Johan Cruyff is one of the greatest players in football history who failed to win the FIFA World Cup during their playing days.
The Dutchman went really close to getting the job done as he led the Netherlands to the final of the tournament in 1974. Unfortunately, they missed out on the prize after falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat to West Germany at the Olympiastadion in Munich.
It is even more lamentable to learn that the legendary attacking midfielder failed to win any major honors with his nation. His statistics with the Dutch national team stands at 33 goals in 48 appearances.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his incredible winning mentality, having managed to lead his club and country to multiple triumphs already. Unfortunately, he's been unable to make things work for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup.
The Manchester United forward has participated in the iconic tournament on four separate occasions, namely in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. His record in the tournament stands at seven goals and two assists in 17 games.
The Portuguese will get one more opportunity to claim the prestigious trophy when the tournament is held in Qatar this year. That, however, will depend on whether his nation manages to progress from the playoffs or not.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi removed an embarrassing stain on his international legacy when he finally led his nation to claim the Copa America in Brazil last year. However, there's still one important trophy he's yet to lay his hands on - the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi got very close to claiming the iconic trophy in 2014 when he fired his nation into the final in Brazil. However, luck wasn't on their side as they lost to Germany in extra-time.
Like Cristiano Ronaldo, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar will get another chance to win the FIFA World Cup this year when the competition takes place in Qatar. It remains to be seen if luck will finally shine on him this time.
