The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has named Lionel Messi as the best men’s player of the last decade. The organisation polled its members from other 150 countries around the world to find the best men’s player over the last decade, including the best player for each continent.
While Cristiano Ronaldo picked up the award for the UEFA region, it was Messi who triumphed globally – as well as amongst the CONMEBOL nations. The 33-year-old hasn’t had a bad last ten years, picking up six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, two Champions Leagues, and four Ballon d’Ors. Even this season, with Barcelona struggling under new manager Ronald Koeman, the Argentine has picked up 12 goals and two assists in 18 La Liga games, and three goals and two assists in four Champions League fixtures. Andres Iniesta is at the third position, with Neymar and Sergio Ramos rounding off the top-five. Andres Iniesta played a key role with the Spanish national team apart from his success with Barcelona. The former Spain midfielder made it to the top three of the Ballon d’Or list in 2010 and 2012 as well. There are two goalkeepers who have also been named in the top-10 – with both Manuel Neuer and Gianluigi Buffon occupying the sixth and eighth position respectively.
