Lionel Messi was the notable absentee from a 2020 world eleven selected by French news outlet L'Equipe.
The Barcelona superstar endured a miserable year, as his side lost out in the LaLiga title race, were humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and even tried to get a move away from the Nou Camp.
Despite his difficulties with the club on and off the pitch, he still scored a mightily impressive 31-goals in all competitions last season.
However he was ousted by long-time Ballon D'or rival Cristiano Ronaldo who bettered him with 37 goals for Juventus, and newly crowned FIFA Men's Player of the year Robert Lewandowski who netted an astonishing 55 times in 47 appearances for Bayern Munich.
The Bundesliga and Champions League winners have a huge influence on the selection with five stars of their treble winning team making the selection.
Though the Premier League also has its part to play, with four players making the squad.
In a 4-4-2 formation, L'Equipe decided to choose Manuel Neuer as goalkeeper ahead of other notable contenders such as Liverpool's Alisson.
Across the back, they went with 20-year-old wonderkid Alphonso Davies, Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, and Liverpool pair Virgil van Dijk and Trent-Alexander Arnold.
Joshua Kimmich and former Bayern and current Liverpool star Thiago make up the centre of midfield with Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar out on the left and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne out of position on the right.
The 2020-21 season looks like it could be another frustrating one for Messi and Barcelona as they sit ten points off leaders Atletico Madrid in the LaLiga title race, having played one game more.
Barcelona have advanced to the second round of the Champions League where they will have the tricky task of beating French champions PSG.
Messi's contract is up at the end of the season, and the 33-year-old can speak to other clubs about a potential move if he decides to exit the Nou Camp.
Manchester City, Barca's Champions League opponents PSG, and David Beckham's Inter Miami, are all believed to be keen on signing the legendary Argentinian.
In UEFA's separate annual team of the year, Messi has not missed out on the eleven since 2007.
sreenandanC
803
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
SidharthK
665
After so many unfair decisions, this man is finally in team. Look at FIFA the best nominees, pro XI......finally
Sarfrazahmed7
560
this is because they cannot acceot aliens in their team of humans 🤣🌍💯 like this comment if you agree ❤
D10S_LM10
498
I am Barcelona and Messi fan but i guess this team is perfect.. Messi had a very tough year and it's okay if he isn't there.
RONALDO_7_ind
356
THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT MESSI IS NOT IN THE LIST I THINK THEY SHOULD REMAKE THE LIST OK AF PLZZ ADD THIS GOAT 🐐
Madridforlife10
253
Any best XI without Messi or Ronaldo is like vegetable salad without carrots
Mahmudur_Somoy
155
On the last match he wasn’t been able to recover from the right ankle injury. But still he played for the club bcz he knew the needs him... Hater will keep hating but will keep his loyality for for his club....
sehajbains_02
117
Pele who ?
chuckytheballer
20
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
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the picture you posted shows you still dwell on the past the list was for the best 11 of 2020 not 2012
Julius104
16
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
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there is a reason it is called best eleven for 2020
Arjenrobben11
15
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
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And I dated a hot girl in 2010. Nobody gives a shite about that
mark_swaps_sides
14
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
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that's not relevant they're talking about 2020 I'm happy they were honest and non bias he didn't deserve to be there unfortunately that year will always be remembered tho but they can't use that for 2020
TMobile
13
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
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Keep bringing past glory to justify Messi's out of form [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
namaeip
13
I am Barcelona and Messi fan but i guess this team is perfect.. Messi had a very tough year and it's okay if he isn't there.
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sorry mate, when at the lowest, scored 31 goals and assisted 21 times. how can he be omitted???
Todorov
11
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
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They don’t count dribbles for the best XI, sorry mate. Stop bringing 2012 and look at him now.
iamironman009
10
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
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the team is for 2020 bro 😪
sirgentle007
8
Just because Messi had lost one game he shouldn't have been removed. If they considered any one of his seasons they would have considered otherwise....
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They said 2020 and you are saying 2012, was he not in the top 11 in 2012. I wonder how some people think
iamsingharman
8
I am Barcelona and Messi fan but i guess this team is perfect.. Messi had a very tough year and it's okay if he isn't there.
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I think Messi should have been there instead of De Bryune. Leo had 20+ goals and 20+ assists. How often do you see these kind of stats? KDB was no where near him.