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#3 Andrés Iniesta
The role of a midfielder in La Liga has always been crucial. It is one of the major reasons why La Liga has produced one of the best playmakers ever. And the name that can be placed atop is — Andres Iniesta.
Iniesta, alongside Xavi, kept Barcelona and Spain's midfield ticking. He even had the ability to control the entire pace of the game from the center of the turf.
Iniesta's Eagle vision is second to none and his goal-scoring abilities have aided Messi and other forwards on numerous occasions. Iniesta ended up on the Ballon d'Or podium twice (2010, 2012), finishing second and third respectively.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is probably the only player in the history of football to have established himself as one of the best in two leagues in the same century.
Following a scintillating stint with Manchester United in the EPL, Cristiano made a leap during the summer window of 2009, to Santiago Bernabeu, his home until 2018.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner broke numerous records in subsequent years to establish himself as one of the greatest La Liga players ever.
Cristiano Ronaldo won four Ballon d'Ors and became Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer in his nine years in La Liga. At the time of his departure from Spain's top division, Cristiano was the player with the most hat-tricks (34) in La Liga history despite having played five seasons less than second-placed Leo Messi.
The Portuguese captain is also the second-most goal getter in La Liga history (behind Lionel Messi), and the only player with a goal ratio above one.
#1 Lionel Messi
A prolific goal-scorer, gamemaker, player and captain, the G.O.A.T. in a man's skin as lovingly called by his admirers — Lionel Messi, undoubtedly grabs the top-spot on our list.
Leo Messi stands atop almost every domestic league record. Messi grabbed the scouts' eyeballs at a very young age of twelve and got himself signed him for the Catalan side on a paper napkin.
After establishing himself as a prominent member of La Masia, Messi moved up the ranks to earn a spot with the senior team. He wore the 19 number shirt before taking on the iconic number 10 following Ronaldinho's retirement.
Ever since, there has been no looking back for the Argentine. He has won six Ballon d'Ors (most by any player), eight Pichichi Trophy (most by any player), six European Golden Shoes (most by any player). The list just goes on.
This concludes our list of top 5 La Liga players of the 21st century. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
