Lionel Messi leads Best FIFA Awards shortlist as just two Premier League stars make cut
Lionel Messi is eyeing a fourth FIFA's Best Men's Player award and the Inter Miami star will be up against the likes of Rodri, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe
Lionel Messi is in the hunt to land FIFA's Best Men's Player award with Premier League players in short supply.
Despite now plying his trade in the MLS the Argentine remains a classy operator and has twinned his exploits with Inter Miami by claiming another Copa America with his country. It means Messi's international trophy haul continues to rise and that could land him, yet more, individual honours.
FIFA's award was first handed out in 2016 and Messi has since won it on three occasions - more than anyone else - and is eyeing his third success on the bounce.
He will receive competition from Rodri, who was recently named the Ballon d'Or winner. His success with Manchester City goes alongside a stellar summer, which saw him lead Spain's charge to the Euro 2024 trophy.
Rodri is one of only two Premier League players to be nominated with his City team-mate Erling Haaland the other. Six of the 11 nominees currently ply their trade in La Liga - and it would be seven if Toni Kroos, who has now retired, was still at Real Madrid.
Los Blancos' Champions League success sees them provide a number of players including Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jnr. The Brazilian narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or but could become the first Real player since Luka Modric in 2018 to land the award.
Kylian Mbappe wasn't part of the European success at the Bernabeu and hasn't begun life overly well in Madrid, but is still in the hunt for the award, owing largely to another prolific season with PSG.
Barcelona's wonderkid, teenager Lamine Yamal, continues to go from strength to strength and is also up for the award. As is fellow young talent Florian Wirtz, who was crucial in Bayer Leverkusen ending Bayern Munich's dominance of the Bundesliga.
FIFA will also hand out awards that recognise the best coach with the likes of Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso and Luis de la Fuente doing battle. The best goalkeeper will also be honoured and nominees include David Raya, Emi Martinez and Ederson.
The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees
Dani Carvajal - Real Madrid
Erling Haaland - Manchester City
Federico Valverde - Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz - Bayer Leverkusen
Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe - PSG/Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal - Barcelona
Lionel Messi - Inter Miami
Rodri - Manchester City
Toni Kroos - Real Madrid (now retired)
Vinícius Jr - Real Madrid
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