The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2019: Ranking the nominees from the three-man shortlist 

#2 Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina)

FC Barcelona v Arsenal - Pre-Season Friendly

Messi enjoyed one of his best individual seasons in recent years as he outclassed every single attacking player in Europe with scintillating displays and mind-blowing numbers to back him.

The Barcelona captain netted 51 goals and provided 22 assists in 50 games for the Catalan giants, finishing as the top-scorer in La Liga, Europe, and the Champions League.

The 32-year-old dominated 14 of the 15 attacking statistics in the Spanish top-flight, coming second only in the take-on numbers, as former Southampton player Sofiane Boufal completed 144 take-ons, which is 10 more than the Blaugrana superstar.

His goal-scoring exploits ultimately helped Barcelona to a consecutive La Liga title but failed to inspire them to the much-awaited Champions League trophy, a promise that he made to fans before the start of the season.

The Blaugrana were initially pegged for a spectacular treble as they were favourites to win the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. However, an embarrassing semi-final defeat to Liverpool in the European competition and a shock defeat to Valencia in the Copa del Rey have reduced their trophy count from three to one.

Barcelona's grand collapses have unfortunately overshadowed Messi's personal achievements and his performances in the Copa America have provided little to no retribution for the slight.

Messi made the headlines as Argentina succumbed to a semi-final exit in the Copa America this summer. The five-time Balon d'Or winner, who only found the net thrice in the South American tournament, accused CONMEBOL of setting up the competition for Brazil to win and was consequently, handed a ban and a fine for his comments.

The mercurial Argentine truly has no attacking rival in the race for the award but his own shortcomings towards the end of the season could cost him a handful of prizes this year.