5 Barcelona players who made it into Goal 50
Lionel Messi in the 5th spot
This is absolutely shambolic considering that Mohamed Salah, who didn’t win any titles last season, was placed above him. Also, Kylian Mbappé was not that prolific at club level, despite leading France to a first World Cup win in two decades.
But the biggest shame is that Cristiano Ronaldo again occupied the second spot, despite failing to secure either the La Liga or the Copa del Rey, and Portugal crashing out of the World Cup in the Round of 16 stage. He also failed to pick up the Pichichi award.
Lionel Messi had a brilliant season for Barcelona, scoring 44 goals and providing 18 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, making him the most prolific player in Europe. He also led from the front at the World Cup, scoring 1 crucial goal and providing 2 assists.
Despite his lack of success with Argentina in Russia, it was a one-man effort. If Cristiano Ronaldo’s individual performance is recognised, why will Messi’s be not? If anyone deserved the 2nd position more than Messi, it was Neymar, who ended the season with 28 goals and 16 assists.